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gyroscope
[ jahy-ruh-skohp ]
noun
- an apparatus consisting of a rotating wheel so mounted that its axis can turn freely in certain or all directions, and capable of maintaining the same absolute direction in space in spite of movements of the mountings and surrounding parts: used to maintain equilibrium, determine direction, etc.
gyroscope
/ ˌdʒaɪrəˈskɒpɪk; ˈdʒaɪrəˌskəʊp /
noun
- a device containing a disc rotating on an axis that can turn freely in any direction so that the disc resists the action of an applied couple and tends to maintain the same orientation in space irrespective of the movement of the surrounding structure Sometimes shortened togyro
gyroscope
/ jī′rə-skōp′ /
- An instrument consisting of a heavy disk or wheel spun rapidly about an axis like a top. The angular momentum of the disk causes it to resist changes in the direction of its axis of rotation, due to the principle of conservation of angular momentum. Because of the gyroscope's tendency to remain oriented in one direction, it is used as a stabilizing device in missiles, as well as in the navigation and piloting systems of airplanes, ships, rockets, and other vehicles.
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Derived Forms
- gyroscopic, adjective
- ˌgyroˈscopics, noun
- ˌgyroˈscopically, adverb
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Other Words From
- gy·ro·scop·ic [jahy-r, uh, -, skop, -ik], adjective
- gyro·scopi·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of gyroscope1
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Example Sentences
We wanted him there because our conversation needed a gyroscope.
Tilt the iPad and its internal gyroscope will throw bottles and pocket watches as if obeying gravity.
One of the most successful of the recent applications of the gyroscope is in its connection with the marine compass.
He presented me, at different times, with a gyroscope, a kilogramme-weight and a lobster with a blue silk lining.
Another feature is the gyroscope compass, to which a passing reference has already been made.
We have but one means at our disposal, and that is the gyroscope.
The top that is most useful is the gyroscope top (Fig. 103).
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