selsyn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical/ObsoleteTechnical/Engineering
Quick answer
What does “selsyn” mean?
A trademarked electromechanical device used for transmitting angular position or motion remotely, using synchronous electrical signals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A trademarked electromechanical device used for transmitting angular position or motion remotely, using synchronous electrical signals.
More generally, any system of synchronous motors used for remote control or indication, where one unit's movement is precisely replicated by another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly technical, historical, linked to mid-20th century industrial or military control systems.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, found almost exclusively in historical engineering texts, manuals, or discussions of vintage technology.
Grammar
How to Use “selsyn” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] is connected/geared/linked to a selsyn.A selsyn [VERB] the position from the [LOCATION] to the [LOCATION].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selsyn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rudder position is selsyned to the cockpit indicator.
American English
- The gauge was selsyned to the remote valve.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The selsyn coupling ensured accurate remote reading.
American English
- We located the faulty selsyn drive unit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical papers on electromechanical engineering or the history of automation.
Everyday
Virtually unknown.
Technical
Used in the context of maintaining, repairing, or describing legacy industrial systems, vintage aircraft instrumentation, or old naval equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “selsyn”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “selsyn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selsyn”
- Misspelling as 'selsyng', 'selcin', or 'celsyn'.
- Using it as a generic term for any modern remote sensor or servo motor.
- Incorrect stress on the second syllable (e.g., /sɛlˈsɪn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely obsolete. Modern systems use digital encoders, servo motors with feedback loops, or solid-state electronics for remote positioning.
It's a trademark derived from 'self-synchronous'.
Yes, electrically, but with potential signal degradation. They were often used within a single machine or vehicle (like a ship or aircraft).
In common technical parlance, they are often used interchangeably, as 'Selsyn' was a trademark for a type of synchro. 'Synchro' is the more generic term.
A trademarked electromechanical device used for transmitting angular position or motion remotely, using synchronous electrical signals.
Selsyn is usually technical/engineering in register.
Selsyn: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlsɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlsɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SELSYN = SELF-SYNchronous. Think of it as a system that keeps itself in sync.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MECHANICAL TELEPATHY DEVICE; a ghost limb that mimics the movement of a real one from a distance.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a selsyn?