Plain English Meaning
A magnetic compass that looks and reads like a normal heading indicator, with the heading shown on an upright dial instead of through a small window on a floating ball. It is easier to read and behaves more steadily in turns than the older liquid-filled compass.
Full Definition
A magnetic compass that displays heading on a rotating vertical card behind a fixed lubber line, similar in appearance to a heading indicator. It uses a magnet-driven mechanism that reduces the turning and acceleration errors found in a traditional float-type magnetic compass, and presents the heading in a more intuitive, top-of-card format.
Context Anchor
You see this term when studying cockpit direction instruments, especially in discussions of magnetic compass indications during .