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gyroscope

(jī′rō skōp′, -rə-)

noun

a wheel mounted in a set of rings so that its axis of rotation is free to turn in any direction: when the wheel is spun rapidly, it will keep the original direction of its rotation axis no matter which way the ring is turned: gyroscopes are used in gyrocompasses and to keep moving ships, airplanes, etc. level

Origin: gyro- + -scope

Related Forms:

gyroscopic adjective
gyroscopically adverb

See gyroscope in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device consisting of a spinning mass, typically a disk or wheel, mounted on a base so that its axis can turn freely in one or more directions and thereby maintain its orientation regardless of any movement of the base.

Related Forms: