noun
gyroscope
JEYE-ruh-skohp
Gyroscope (noun) means a spinning device that resists changes to its orientation, used to keep vehicles or instruments stable. Example: “The ship's navigation system relies on a gyroscope to stay level.”
noun
1
A spinning device that resists changes to its orientation, used to keep vehicles or instruments stable.
"The ship's navigation system relies on a gyroscope to stay level."
How to use gyroscope
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA spinning device used to sense or maintain orientation, found in phones, planes, and ships.
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Word forms
- Plural
- gyroscopes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ship's navigation system relies on a _____ to stay level.
Etymology
Coined in 1852 by physicist Léon Foucault from Greek gyros ("circle") and skopos ("watcher").
Class of 1852
gyroscope joined the language around 1852.
See the full Class of 1852 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gyroscope
See all rhymes for gyroscope →Frequently asked questions
What does “gyroscope” mean?
The word “gyroscope” means a spinning device that resists changes to its orientation, used to keep vehicles or instruments stable. In plain terms, a spinning device used to sense or maintain orientation, found in phones, planes, and ships.
How do you pronounce “gyroscope”?
“Gyroscope” is pronounced JEYE-ruh-skohp (/ˈd͡ʒaɪ.ɹəˌskoʊp/ in IPA).
How do you use “gyroscope” in a sentence?
Here is “gyroscope” used in a sentence: “The ship's navigation system relies on a gyroscope to stay level.”
What part of speech is “gyroscope”?
“Gyroscope” is a noun.
Where does the word “gyroscope” come from?
The word “gyroscope” dates back to around 1852 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1852 by physicist Léon Foucault from Greek gyros ("circle") and skopos ("watcher").
