gimbal
/ˈdʒɪmb(ə)l
/(also gimbals)
noun
A device for keeping an instrument such as a compass or chronometer horizontal in a moving vessel or aircraft, typically consisting of rings pivoted at right angles.These were a ship's chronometer - a big one in a box, suspended with gimbals like a ship's compass - and two smaller, sturdier, pocket-sized ones....
- Hydraulic gimbals were engineered to quietly move a 225-ton set around on the head of a pin.
- A lightweight carbon fiber dome protects the gimbal and sensors.
Derivatives
gimballed
- It is fitted on a gimballed mount in the nose of the helicopter, above the radar.
- The rocket uses four first-stage gimballed engines and one second-stage engine.
- First stage control was by movable tail fins, while the second stage was equipped with a gimballed nozzle.
Origin
Late 16th century (used in the plural denoting connecting parts in machinery): variant of earlier gimmal, itself a variant of late Middle English gemel 'twin, hinge, finger ring which can be divided into two rings', from Old French gemel 'twin', from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus.