Definition

1. Noun:
   • A shaft or spindle on which a wheel rotates: An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. In vehicles, axles are essential components that support the wheels and allow them to turn.
   • A fixed bar or rod on which something turns: More broadly, an axle can refer to any bar or rod that serves as the axis of rotation for an object.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The car's front axle was damaged in the accident.
  • A bicycle wheel rotates around its axle.
  • The mechanic replaced the worn axle bearings.

Advanced Usage

• "Dead axle": An axle that does not rotate; the wheel rotates on it.
  • The trailer uses a dead axle to support its weight.
• "Live axle": An axle that rotates and transmits power to the wheels.
  • The power from the engine is delivered to the rear wheels via the live axle.

Variants and Related Words

• Axle box (n): The housing that contains the bearings where an axle rotates.
  • The axle box needs regular lubrication.
• Axle shaft (n): Specifically the rotating shaft within an axle assembly that transmits torque.
  • A broken axle shaft will prevent the wheel from turning.

Synonyms

• Shaft: A long, cylindrical rod, especially one that rotates or transmits power.
• Spindle: A slender rod or pin, often serving as an axis that something rotates on.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Axle" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs. The following are related technical phrases.) - Axle load: The total weight carried by a single axle. - The bridge has a maximum permitted axle load of 10 tons. - Axle ratio: In vehicles, the ratio between the rotational speeds of the driveshaft and the axle. - A higher axle ratio provides more torque for towing.

Noun

1. a shaft on which a wheel rotates