n. 1. The act of turning or whirling, as around a fixed center; a circular or spiral motion; motion about an axis; rotation; revolution. [ 1913 Webster ] The gyrations of an ascending balloon. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ] If a burning coal be nimbly moved round in a circle, with gyrations continually repeated, the whole circle will appear like fire. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Zool.) One of the whorls of a spiral univalve shell. [ 1913 Webster ] Center of gyration. (Mech.) See under Center. -- Radius of gyration, the distance between the axis of a rotating body and its center of gyration. Rankine. [ 1913 Webster ]
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