gyrostat

[ jahy-ruh-stat ]

/ ˈdʒaɪ rəˌstæt /

a modified gyroscope, consisting of a rotating wheel pivoted within a rigid case.

Origin of gyrostat

First recorded in 1875–80; gyro- + -stat

Here is a gyrostat (Fig. 23) something like the earth in shape, and it is at rest.

Spinning Tops |John Perry
The gyrostat is now replaced on its pivots in the frame, with its axis vertical, and moved about as it was before.

Lord Kelvin |Andrew Gray
Now close observation will give you a simple rule about the behaviour of a gyrostat.

Spinning Tops |John Perry
But now remove the gyrostat from the frame, and set the wheel in rotation.

Lord Kelvin |Andrew Gray

In fact, the microscope and all other objects in the room are going round the gyrostat frame.

Spinning Tops |John Perry