Phrase guide

gimbal lock

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The loss of one degree of freedom in the three-dimensional rotational movement of a three-gimbal mechanism, which occurs when the axes of two of the three gimbals are driven into a parallel configuration, so that the system's rotational movement becomes two-dimensional (and necessarily remains so until an appropriate force is applied); the equivalent situation in a simulation of rotational movement, when the mathematical model uses Euler angles (representing pitch, yaw and roll) or their equivalent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • 2010, S. Nagabhushana, L. K. Sudha, Aircraft Instrumentation and Systems, I. K. International Publishing House, page 249, Such a strap down system reduces the cost, eliminates gimbals and associated gimbal locks, and enhances the reliability (MTBF) by having no moving elements.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: lukittuminen — Translations