pendulum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an apparatus consisting of an object mounted so that it swings freely under the influence of gravity

WordNet

Pen"du*lum noun
Etymology
NL., fr. L. pendulus hanging, swinging. See Pendulous.
Wordforms
plural Pendulums
Definitions
  1. A body so suspended from a fixed point as to swing freely to and fro by the alternate action of gravity and momentum. It is used to regulate the movements of clockwork and other machinery. ✍ The time of oscillation of a pendulum is independent of the arc of vibration, provided this arc be small.

Webster 1913