gyrocompass

[ jahy-roh-kuhm-puhs ]

noun

1. 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.

gyrocompass

/ ˈdʒaɪrəʊˌkʌmpəs /

noun

1. nautical a nonmagnetic compass that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indicate true north Sometimes shortened togyro

Word History and Origins

Origin of gyrocompass¹

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

Example Sentences

In the early 1900s, two inventors figured out how to align the spin to the Earth's north-south axis, giving us the gyrocompass.

From BBC

Ellis M. Johnston III, Ghahreman's lawyer in San Diego, said the gyrocompasses and other items were for commercial use.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors said Mr. Ghahreman conspired to use a Dubai-based front company to help supply the Iranians, including with gyrocompasses used for swift boat navigation and electron tubes used for military airborne radar.

From New York Times

"This is the gyrocompass - it steers the ship - you can see it starting to fail," says Mr Bransby.

From BBC

The Nautilus became one of history’s great explorers, traversing the dark, frigid waters of the North Pole and relying on a basic gyrocompass to prevent an underwater disaster.

From Washington Times