gyrocompass

[ jahy-roh-kuhm-puhs ]

/ ˈdʒaɪ roʊˌkʌm pəs /

Save This Word!

noun

a navigational compass containing a gyroscope rotor, that, when adjusted for the latitude and speed of the vessel or aircraft, indicates the direction of true north along the surface of the earth or communicates this information to one or more gyro repeaters.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called gyrostatic compass.

Origin of gyrocompass

First recorded in 1905–10; gyro(scope) + compass

Words nearby gyrocompass

gyre, gyrectomy, gyrene, gyrfalcon, gyro, gyrocompass, gyrocopter, gyrodyne, gyrofrequency, gyro horizon, gyroidal

How to use gyrocompass in a sentence

The car was equipped with an electrically operated gyrocompass, of no use to him now.
Planet of the Damned|Harry Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for gyrocompass

gyrocompass

/ (ˈdʒaɪrəʊˌkʌmpəs) /

noun

nautical a nonmagnetic compass that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indicate true northSometimes shortened to: gyro

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012