gyroscope

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒaɪrəˌskoʊp/

Definition

A device consisting of a rapidly spinning wheel mounted in a frame that allows it to tilt freely in any direction, used to maintain stability or measure orientation.

Examples

• Modern smartphones use a miniature gyroscope to detect when you rotate the screen.

• The spacecraft relied on a high-precision gyroscope to maintain its trajectory through deep space.

• A spinning gyroscope demonstrates the principle of angular momentum by resisting changes to its axis.

Synonyms of gyroscope

Words with a similar meaning to gyroscope:

• stabilizer
• sensor
• inertial sensor

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