Gimbal

Quick meaning: Gimbal is a noun meaning A device for suspending something, such as a ship's compass, so that it will remain level when its support is tipped.

Meaning

A device for suspending something, such as a ship's compass, so that it will remain level when its support is tipped.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To suspend using a gimbal or gimbals.
2. (transitive, aerospace) To move a reaction engine about on a gimbal so as to obtain pitching and yawing correction moments.
3. (intransitive) To swivel, move on an axis.

Example Sentences

The lamp wriggled in its gimbals, the barometer swung in circles, the table altered its slant every moment […]

1934, A. E. W. Mason, “The Chronometer,” Chapter II, in Dilemmas, London: Hodder & Stoughton, He lifted the chronometer off the gimbals on which it was slung in the mahogany case and showed the number engraved upon the bottom.

1918, Richard Dehan (Clotilde Graves), That Which Hath Wings, New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Chapter 32, […] he conned his course in masterly fashion by aid of the roller-map, protected by its transparent, rainproof casing, or the compass, clock, altimeter, and other instruments gimballed in the wooden frame in front of the pilot’s seat.

Word Forms

• gimbals
• gimbaling
• gimballing
• gimbaled
• gimballed

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include supported, gyrostabilizer, ballasting, gyrostabilization, gyrostabilisation, guide.

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