Fou·cault (f -k  ), Jean Bernard Léon 1819-1868. French physicist who estimated the speed of light and determined that it travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He also employed a pendulum to prove the rotation of the earth (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852). |
| Foucault, Michel 1926-1984. French philosopher and historian who explored the role played by power in shaping knowledge. His works include Madness and Civilization (1961) and the multi-volume History of Sexuality (1976-1986). |
Foucault (French) [fuko]
n
1. (Biographies / Foucault, Jean Bernard Léon (1819-1868) M, French, SCIENCE: physicist) Jean Bernard Léon (ʒɑ̃ bɛrnar leɔ̃). 1819-68, French physicist. He determined the velocity of light and proved that light travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He demonstrated by means of the pendulum named after him the rotation of the earth on its axis (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852)
2. (Biographies / Foucault, Michel (1926-1984) M, French, PHILOSOPHY: philosopher) Michel. 1926-84, French philosopher and historian of ideas. His publications include Histoire de la folie (1961) and Les Mots et les choses (1966)
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| Noun | 1. |  Foucault - French physicist who determined the speed of light and showed that it travels slower in water than in air; invented the Foucault pendulum and the gyroscope (1819-1868) |
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