gyro horizon
- noun
- /ˈɡaɪroʊ həˈraɪzən/
- Specialized
:
horizonte giróscopico
- In poor visibility, the gyro horizon allows aviators to maintain proper flight attitude.
Examples
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The instructor explained how to interpret readings from the gyro horizon during instrument training.
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Before takeoff, the pilot checked the gyro horizon to ensure it was functioning correctly.
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The gyro horizon helps pilots maintain level flight.
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Many modern aircraft are equipped with a gyro horizon.
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In poor visibility, the gyro horizon allows aviators to maintain proper flight attitude.
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Before takeoff, the pilot checked the gyro horizon to ensure it was functioning correctly.
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The instructor explained how to interpret readings from the gyro horizon during instrument training.
Synonyms
1
5.7
An instrument in a plane that shows whether it is level or tilted
An instrument that shows a plane's tilt compared to the ground
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is a straightforward compound of 'gyro' (a gyroscopic stabilizing instrument) and 'horizon' (the line between earth and sky), so its meaning — an instrument that uses a gyroscope to display or simulate the horizon/attitude — is directly derivable from the parts. Although somewhat technical, this compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely understand it.
Etymology
The noun gyro horizon is named for its parts: the gyro (a fast spinning wheel that stays steady) and the horizon (a line that shows level). It makes a steady 'horizon' picture for the pilot, so they can tell which way is 'up' when they cannot see outside.