Definition of "pendulum"

pendulum

/ˈpɛnd͡ʒələm/

noun
plural pendulums or pendula
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) The tendency of a situation to oscillate (between two extremes).
    Quotations
    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.
    2021 October 20, 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.