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gyroscope


Definition of gyroscope

noun

  • a device consisting of a wheel or disc mounted so that it can spin rapidly about an axis which is itself free to alter in direction. The orientation of the axis is not affected by tilting of the mounting, so gyroscopes can be used to provide stability or maintain a reference direction in navigation systems, automatic pilots, and stabilizers.

Derivatives

gyroscopic

Pronunciation: /-ˈskɒpɪk/

adjective

gyroscopically

Pronunciation: /-ˈskɒpɪk(ə)li/

adverb

Origin:

mid 19th century: from French, from Greek guros 'a ring' + modern Latin scopium (see -scope)

gyroscope in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of gyroscope in the US English dictionary