noun
- plural of gyrocompass; navigational instruments that use a spinning gyroscope to find true north independent of magnetic fields
Usage: nautical; aviation
Examples
- The ship’s gyrocompasses provided accurate heading information despite the magnetic interference.
- Modern aircraft rely on gyrocompasses for precise navigation.
- The submarine’s gyrocompasses remained stable even during deep dives.
- Navigation officers regularly calibrated the gyrocompasses before departure.
- Unlike magnetic compasses, gyrocompasses point to true north rather than magnetic north.
- The vessel was equipped with backup gyrocompasses in case of primary system failure.