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Webster 1913 Edition


Gyroscope

Gy′ro-scope

(jī′rō̍-skōp)
,
Noun.
[Gr.
γῦροσ
ring, circle +
-scope
.]
1.
A rotating wheel, mounted in a ring or rings, for illustrating the dynamics of rotating bodies, the composition of rotations, etc. It was devised by Professor W. R. Johnson, in 1832, by whom it was called the
rotascope
.
2.
A form of the above apparatus, invented by M. Foucault, mounted so delicately as to render visible the rotation of the earth, through the tendency of the rotating wheel to preserve a constant plane of rotation, independently of the earth’s motion.

Definition 2024


gyroscope

gyroscope

English

Noun

gyroscope (plural gyroscopes)

  1. an apparatus composed of a wheel which spins inside of a frame (gimbal) and causes the balancing of the frame in any direction or position. In the form of a gyroscopic stabilizer, used to help keep aircraft and ships steady.

Derived terms

Related terms

  • gyroscopy

Translations

See also


French

Etymology

gyro- + -scope, coined in 1856 by physicist Leon Foucault, from Ancient Greek γῦρος (gûros, circle) and σκοπός (skopós, watcher).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ʒi.ʁos.kop/

Noun

gyroscope m (plural gyroscopes)

  1. gyroscope

Derived terms