n. [ Gr. gy^ros ring, circle + -scope. ] 1. A rotating wheel, mounted in a ring or rings, for illustrating the dynamics of rotating bodies, the composition of rotations, etc. It was devised by Professor W. R. Johnson, in 1832, by whom it was called the rotascope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A form of the above apparatus, invented by M. Foucault, mounted so delicately as to render visible the rotation of the earth, through the tendency of the rotating wheel to preserve a constant plane of rotation, independently of the earth's motion. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to the gyroscope; resembling the motion of the gyroscope. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ See Gyre. ] (Bot.) Turned round like a crook, or bent to and fro. Loudon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. gy^ros ring, circle + "ista`nai to cause to stand.] (Physics) A modification of the gyroscope, consisting essentially of a fly wheel fixed inside a rigid case to which is attached a thin flange of metal for supporting the instrument. It is used in studying the dynamics of rotating bodies. [1913 Webster]

a. (Physics) Of or pertaining to the gyrostat or to gyrostatics. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Physics) The doctrine or theory of the gyrostat, or of the phenomena of rotating bodies. [ 1913 Webster ]