gyroscopic precession

gyroscopic precession

[‚jī·rə′skäp·ik prē′sesh·ən] (mechanics) The turning of the axis of spin of a gyroscope as a result of an external torque acting on the gyroscope; the axis always turns toward the direction of the torque.

gyroscopic precession

A property of a gyroscope that causes it to react to an applied force as though it were applied at a point 90° in the direction of the rotation, from the actual point of application. This property is used in rate gyros to measure the rate of turn.