gyrostabilizer

noun

gy·​ro·​sta·​bi·​liz·​er ˌjī-rō-ˈstā-bə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce gyrostabilizer (audio)
variants or gyrostat
: a stabilizing device (as for a ship or airplane) that consists of a continuously driven gyro spinning about a vertical axis and pivoted so that its axis of spin may be tipped fore-and-aft in the vertical plane and that serves to oppose sideways motion

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gyrostabilizer was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Gyrostabilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gyrostabilizer. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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