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gyrocompass

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noun gy·ro·com·pass \ ˈjī-rō-ˌkəm-pəs also -ˌkäm- \

Definition of gyrocompass

:a compass consisting of a continuously driven gyroscope whose spinning axis is confined to a horizontal plane so that the earth's rotation causes it to assume a position parallel to the earth's axis and thus point to the true north

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First Known Use of gyrocompass

1910

Learn More about gyrocompass

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gyrocompass

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