[foo-koh] 
| 1. | Jean Ber⋅nard Lé⋅on [zhahn ber-nar ley-awn] , 1819–68, French physicist. |
| 2. | Michel [mee-shel] , 1926–84, French philosopher. |
| Fou·cault (fōō-kō') French physicist who estimated the speed of light and determined that it travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He also employed a pendulum to prove the rotation of the earth (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852). |
| Foucault, Michel 1926-1984. French philosopher and historian who explored the role played by power in shaping knowledge. His works include Madness and Civilization (1961) and the multi-volume History of Sexuality (1976-1986). |
Foucault (f -kō') Pronunciation Key
French physicist who determined that light travels more slowly in water than in air, confirming predictions made by the wave theory of light. In 1850 Foucault also measured the absolute velocity of light. In 1851, by using a type of pendulum that is now named after him, Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the Earth, and in 1852 perfected a gyroscope for the same purpose. |