Gyroscope

Origin

- + scope + -, from French coined in 1856 by physicist Leon Foucault, from Ancient Greek γῦρος (guros, "circle") and σκοπός (skopos, "watcher").

Full definition of gyroscope

Noun

1. an apparatus composed of a wheel which spins inside of a frame (gimbal) and causes the balancing of the frame in any direction or position. In the form of a gyroscopic stabilizer, used to help keep aircraft and ships steady.

Derived terms

Related terms

• gyroscopy