gimbals

gimbals

A ship's compass is mounted on gimbals to stay level.

Definition
  1. Noun (plural only):
    • A device for keeping an object level: "gimbals" refers to a mechanical contrivance, typically consisting of two or three rings pivoted on axes at right angles, used to suspend a compass, chronometer, or other instrument so that it remains horizontal regardless of the motion of the vessel or vehicle.
Usage Examples
  • (The rings kept the compass level despite the ship's rocking.)
  • (The mechanical rings counteract movement to maintain a level image.)
  • (The pivoted rings allow the gyroscope to stay oriented correctly.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be in gimbals": to be suspended or mounted using gimbals.

    • The delicate instrument was kept in gimbals to protect it from vibration. (It was mounted on pivoted rings for stability.)

  • "gimbal lock": a phenomenon in which the axes of two of the gimbals become aligned, causing the system to lose one degree of freedom.

    • The spacecraft's navigation system suffered a gimbal lock during the manoeuvre, requiring a reset. (The alignment of the rings caused a loss of orientation control.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Gimbal (noun, singular form): a single ring or pivot of the device.

    • Each gimbal rotates independently to allow full range of motion. (One of the rings in the assembly.)

  • Gimballed (adjective): fitted with or suspended by gimbals.

    • The gimballed platform kept the experiment level during the flight. (Equipped with gimbals.)

  • Gimballing (noun): the action or process of using gimbals.

    • The gimballing of the camera allowed smooth panoramic shots. (The mechanical adjustment using gimbals.)
Synonyms
  • Suspension ring: a ring used to suspend an object freely.
  • Pivoted mount: a support that rotates on an axis.
  • Cardan suspension: a technical term for a gimbal system, named after the inventor Gerolamo Cardano.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Gimbal out: to adjust or extend the gimbals to a maximum range.
    • The engineer had to gimbal out the antenna to align it with the satellite. (Extend the pivoted mount to its limit.)
Related Idioms
  • No direct idioms exist for "gimbals" in common English, as it is a specialised technical term. However, in engineering contexts, one might say "the gimbals are aligned" to mean the system is properly calibrated.