artificial horizon

[ ahr-tuh-fish-uhl huh-rahy-zuhn ]

noun

1. a level, as a surface of mercury, used in determining the altitudes of stars.
2. the bubble in a sextant or octant for aerial use.
3. Also called flight in·di·ca·tor [flahyt, in-di-key-ter],. Aeronautics an instrument that indicates the banking and pitch of an aircraft with respect to the horizon.

artificial horizon

noun

1. Also calledgyro horizon an aircraft instrument, using a gyroscope, that indicates the aircraft's attitude in relation to the horizontal
2. astronomy a level reflecting surface, such as one of mercury, that measures the altitude of a celestial body as half the angle between the body and its reflection

Word History and Origins

Origin of artificial horizon¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Inspired by a child's spinning top toy, Serson wondered if he could create an artificial horizon - something that would stay level, even as a ship lurched and swayed around it.

From BBC

The entire zone which defined the landscape of my life was now bounded by a continuous artificial horizon, formed by the raised parapets and embankments of the motorways and their access roads and interchanges.

From The Guardian

The artificial horizon was then set up, and the flags and banners displayed, these fluttering out bravely before a S.W. wind, which latter, however, was decidedly cold and unpleasant.

From Project Gutenberg

At sea, I would use the natural horizon, but that is impossible here amongst the ice and snow, and so I use an artificial horizon made of a pan of mercury.

From Project Gutenberg

The sextant and artificial horizon, lying on the ground, escaped destruction, and the dipping-needle had fortunately been taken on board.

From Project Gutenberg