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
gilt,
gilt bronze,
gilt-edged,
gilthead,
gilyak,
gimbals,
gimbel,
gimcrack,
gimcrackery,
gimel,
gimlet
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