tourbillion

noun

tour·​bil·​lion tu̇r-ˈbil-yən How to pronounce tourbillion (audio)
variants or tourbillon
1
2
: a vortex especially of a whirlwind or whirlpool

Examples of tourbillion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is a minute repeater tourbillion, a perpetual calendar retrograde. Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2023 The watch is also the first edition to feature a double-hairspring tourbillion movement in a Streamliner case. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2022 Meanwhile, the reverse dial shows the calendar indication and tourbillion escapement. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2022 The physical examples will run on the watchmaker’s manual winding JCAM19 movement and feature a flying tourbillion. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2022 Like the other three series models, this Twin Turbo Furious uses the JCFM05 manual-winding tourbillion movement, made up of 832 components. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2021 That’s quite impressive for a standard tourbillion. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2022 Inside the watch’s anti-reflective case, its vital components are on display in a slightly asymmetrical arrangement, from its tourbillion between 6 and 7 o’clock and its small seconds counter between 9 and 10 o’clock. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2021 Meanwhile, the red gold alternative is primarily meant to offer a more conventional setting for the tourbillion, according to the watchmaker. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tourbillion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French turbeillun, ultimately from Latin turbin-, turbo — more at turbine

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tourbillion was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tourbillion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tourbillion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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