pendulum effect

noun

1. Also called pendulum law. Physics. a law, discovered by Galileo in 1602, that describes the regular, swinging motion of a pendulum by the action of gravity and acquired momentum.
2. the theory holding that trends in culture, politics, etc., tend to swing back and forth between opposite extremes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendulum effect¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

This produces a little lateral stability without any marked pendulum effect.

From Project Gutenberg

If too low, it produces a pendulum effect and causes the aeroplane to roll sideways.

From Project Gutenberg