gimbals

[ jim-buhlz, gim- ]

noun(used with a singular verb)
  1. Sometimes gimbal. a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship's compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped.

Origin of gimbals

1
First recorded in 1570–80; alteration of gimmal
  • Also called gimbal ring .

Words Nearby gimbals

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How to use gimbals in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gimbals

gimbals

/ (ˈdʒɪmbəlz, ˈɡɪm-) /


pl n
  1. a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etc: Also called: gimbal ring

Origin of gimbals

1
C16: variant of earlier gimmal finger ring, from Old French gemel, from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus twin

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