pendulum

Etymology

Borrowed from the neuter of Latin pendulus (“hanging”).

noun

  1. (clocks, mechanics) A body suspended from a fixed support so that it swings freely back and forth under the influence of gravity, commonly used to regulate various devices such as clocks.
    1. (by extension) Used to refer to the tendency of a situation to oscillate (between two extremes).
      The pendulum can be seen to be swinging in favour of rail, as with each issue of RAIL comes news of further intermodal service expansion. October 20 2021, Industry Insider, “The wheels turn slowly”, in RAIL, number 942, page 68
  2. A lamp, etc. suspended from a ceiling.
  3. A watch's guard-ring by which it is attached to a chain.

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