gimbals

[ jim-buh lz, gim- ]
/ ˈdʒɪm bəlz, ˈgɪm- /

noun (used with a singular verb)

Sometimes gimbal. a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship's compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped.
Also called gimbal ring.

Origin of gimbals

First recorded in 1570–80; alteration of gimmal

Words nearby gimbals

British Dictionary definitions for gimbal-ring

gimbals
/ (ˈdʒɪmbəlz, ˈɡɪm-) /

pl n

a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etc Also called: gimbal ring

Word Origin for gimbals

C16: variant of earlier gimmal finger ring, from Old French gemel, from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus twin