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• global positioning system
  global positioning system

  noun

  a system of earth-orbiting satellites, transmitting signals continuously towards the earth, that enables the position of a receiving device on or near the earth's surface to be accurately estimated from the difference in arrival times of the signals
• Global Positioning System
  Global Positioning System

  A system of satellites combined with receivers on the Earth that determines the latitude and longitude of any particular receiver through triangulation. The distance of the receiver to three of the satellites is ascertained by measuring the time-delay of a predetermined radio signal (called a pseudo-random code). Errors in timing can be corrected by checking the signals against the signal from a fourth satellite. Current systems can pinpoint the location of the receiver with an accuracy of around 5 m (16 ft). The system is used for navigation, surveying, and many other applications.

global positioning system

British  

noun

1.  GPS.  a system of earth-orbiting satellites, transmitting signals continuously towards the earth, that enables the position of a receiving device on or near the earth's surface to be accurately estimated from the difference in arrival times of the signals

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Global Positioning System Scientific  

/ glō′bəl /

1. A system of satellites combined with receivers on the Earth that determines the latitude and longitude of any particular receiver through triangulation. The distance of the receiver to three of the satellites is ascertained by measuring the time-delay of a predetermined radio signal (called a pseudo-random code). Errors in timing can be corrected by checking the signals against the signal from a fourth satellite. Current systems can pinpoint the location of the receiver with an accuracy of around 5 m (16 ft). The system is used for navigation, surveying, and many other applications.

2. Compare loran

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global positioning system Cultural  

1. A U.S. military satellite system now available for public use that allows those with a GPS receiver to locate their position on the surface of the Earth to within a few feet. A constellation of twenty-four satellites orbits the Earth, each of which transmits a radio signal giving both location of the satellite and the time of the transmission. Triangulation of three separate signals is then used by the receiver to determine its position on the Earth's surface.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

global positioning system Global Positioning System

The precision-agriculture approach employs technology and the global positioning system to ensure that seeds, fertilizer and chemicals are used correctly.

From Reuters ● Sep. 28, 2023

The global positioning system, for example, provides navigation services to the military as well as civilians.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 21, 2019

But you’d probably still be surprised at all the things that GPS—the global positioning system that underlies all of modern navigation—can do.

From Scientific American ● Oct. 30, 2019

The programs are like a global positioning system app on a smartphone — helpful but not perfect.

From New York Times ● Feb. 23, 2018

Officials decided that having a physical “panic button” was faster than using an application for mobile phones, which will be required to have a global positioning system by 2018.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 26, 2016

The research was vital for creation of the Global Positioning System, or GPS, a priority for the U.S. military in the 1970s and 1980s.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 26, 2026

GPS - the Global Positioning System - comprises many small satellites orbiting the Earth.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 9, 2025

Pop quiz: Who gave us the beloved Global Positioning System that renders a sense of direction obsolete?

From Seattle Times ● May 27, 2022

Satellites help run the internet and television and are central to the Global Positioning System.

From Salon ● May 21, 2022

In space, for example, integrated deterrence would mean ensuring that capabilities such as our satellite-based Global Positioning System can continue even if adversaries attack it with missiles, cyber tools or space-based weapons.

From Washington Post ● May 5, 2021