Advertisement

Origin and history of gyrostat

gyrostat(n.)

instrument for illustrating the dynamics of rotation, 1868, from gyro- + -stat.

Entries linking to gyrostat

branch of dynamics dealing with rotating bodies, 1883, from gyrostatic (1875); see gyrostat + -ics.

word-forming element meaning "gyrating" or "gyroscope," from Greek gyros "a ring, circle" (see gyre (n.)).

word-forming element used from 18c. in making names of devices for stabilizing or regulating (such as thermostat), from Greek statos "standing, stationary," from PIE *ste-to-, suffixed form of root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm." First attested in heliostat "an instrument for causing the sun to appear stationary" (1742). Related: -static.

    Advertisement

    More to explore

    Share gyrostat

    Advertisement
    Trending
    Advertisement