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gimbal

Syllabification: (gim·bal)
Pronunciation: /ˈgimbəl, ˈjim-/

Definition of gimbal

noun

(often gimbals)
  • a mechanism, typically consisting of rings pivoted at right angles, for keeping an instrument such as a compass or chronometer horizontal in a moving vessel or aircraft.

Derivatives

gimbaled

(or gimballed) adjective

Origin:

late 16th century (used in the plural denoting connecting parts in machinery): variant of earlier gimmal, itself a variant of late Middle English gemel 'twin, hinge, finger ring that can be divided into two rings', from Old French gemel 'twin', from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus

gimbal in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of gimbal in the British & World English dictionary
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