gps

G-P-S · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth.

  2. 2.

    A device or application that uses this system to determine location.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    GPS tracking — monitoring the location of a person or object using GPS technology
  • •
    GPS coordinates — latitude and longitude values that specify a location

Related words

See also: location, navigation, satellite
Synonyms: navigation system, sat nav, satellite navigation

Etymology

Acronym for "Global Positioning System," developed by the United States Department of Defense in the 1970s and made available for civilian use in the 1980s.