Gy*ra"tion (?), n.

1.

The act of turning or whirling, as around a fixed center; a circular or spiral motion; motion about an axis; rotation; revolution.

The gyrations of an ascending balloon. De Quincey.

If a burning coal be nimbly moved round in a circle, with gyrations continually repeated, the whole circle will appear like fire. Sir I. Newton.

2. Zool.

One of the whorls of a spiral univalve shell.

Center of gyration. Mech. See under Center. -- Radius of gyration the distance between the axis of a rotating body and its center of gyration. Rankine.

 

© Webster 1913.