C1nounscience
US/ˈpen.dʒə.ləm/
UK/ˈpen.djʊ.ləm/
a weight hanging from a fixed point that swings from side to side, as in old clocks
In context
The pendulum of the old clock swings once every second.
Physics students timed a pendulum to measure the force of gravity.
The pendulum of public opinion has swung back toward stricter rules.
Words that go with pendulum
noun + noun
- pendulum clockMy grandparents still have a pendulum clock in the living room.
- pendulum effectEconomists describe a pendulum effect between strict and loose policies.
adjective + noun
- swinging pendulumThe baby watched the swinging pendulum with wide eyes.
- simple pendulumA simple pendulum is just a weight on a string.
- heavy pendulumA heavy pendulum inside the tower reduces shaking during strong winds.