gyrocompass

[ jahy-roh-kuhm-puh s ]
/ ˈdʒaɪ roʊˌkʌm pəs /

noun

a navigational compass containing a gyroscope rotor, that, when adjusted for the latitude and speed of the vessel or aircraft, indicates the direction of true north along the surface of the earth or communicates this information to one or more gyro repeaters.
Also called gyrostatic compass.

Origin of gyrocompass

First recorded in 1905–10; gyro(scope) + compass

Words nearby gyrocompass

gyro, gyro horizon, gyro pilot, gyro repeater, gyro-, gyrocompass, gyrocopter, gyrodyne, gyrofrequency, gyroidal, gyromagnetic

British Dictionary definitions for gyrocompass

gyrocompass
/ (ˈdʒaɪrəʊˌkʌmpəs) /

noun

nautical a nonmagnetic compass that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indicate true north Sometimes shortened to: gyro