pendulum
Pronunciation: /ˈpɛndjʊləm/
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Definition of pendulum
noun
The use of the pendulum for regulating clocks depends on the principle, discovered by Galileo circa 1602, that for small amplitudes the time of oscillation of a pendulum depends only on its length. A freely suspended pendulum resists changes in its plane of oscillation, a fact employed by Jean Foucault in 1851 to demonstrate the earth’s rotation
Origin:
mid 17th century: from Latin, neuter (used as a noun) of pendulus 'hanging down'