Plain English Meaning
A set of pivoting rings that lets something inside stay level or pointed the same way even when the thing holding it tilts or turns.
Full Definition
A mechanical support consisting of two or more pivoted rings mounted on perpendicular axes, allowing an object held within it to remain in a fixed orientation regardless of how the surrounding structure moves or rotates.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft instrument and maintenance discussions, especially where an instrument must keep moving freely inside its case while the aircraft changes position.
Derivation
From the Old French 'gemel,' meaning 'twin' or 'paired,' referring to the matched rings that pivot together. The paired-ring image helps explain why a gimbal needs at least two axes working together to isolate the object inside from outside motion.