artificial horizon
noun
a level, as a surface of mercury, used in determining the altitudes of stars.
the bubble in a sextant or octant for aerial use.
Also called flight indicator, gyro horizon. Aeronautics
an instrument that indicates the banking and pitch of an aircraft with respect to the horizon.
Origin of artificial horizon
First recorded in 1795–1805
Words nearby artificial horizon
British Dictionary definitions for artificial horizon
artificial horizon
noun
Also called: gyro horizon
an aircraft instrument, using a gyroscope, that indicates the aircraft's attitude in relation to the horizontal
astronomy
a level reflecting surface, such as one of mercury, that measures the altitude of a celestial body as half the angle between the body and its reflection