Definition: A "cog railway" is a type of railway that is designed to travel up steep mountains. It uses a special system where a cogwheel on the train (the locomotive) connects with cogs (teeth) on a center rail. This connection helps the train climb steep slopes safely.
Usage Instructions: - "Cog railway" is a noun, so you can use it to talk about this specific type of train system. - It is often used when discussing travel, transportation, or mountain tourism.
Example: - "We took a cog railway to the top of the mountain, and the views were breathtaking!"
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, you might see discussions of engineering or transportation systems. For example, someone might say, "The cog railway system is a marvel of engineering, allowing access to remote mountain areas."
Word Variants: - The term "cog" can refer to the gear itself, which is a small wheel with teeth that can fit into other gears. - "Railway" can also be referred to as "rail road," though "railway" is more common in British English.
Different Meanings: - "Cog" can also mean a small part of a larger system or organization, often implying that it plays a less significant role (e.g., "He felt like just a cog in the corporate machine."). - "Railway" can refer more generally to any system of tracks for trains, not just cog railways.
Synonyms: - For "cog railway," there are not many direct synonyms, but you could use "rack railway" in some contexts, as both are used in steep terrains. - "Mountain railway" can also describe railways that go up mountains, although they may not use the cogwheel system.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related directly to "cog railway." However, the idiom "to be a cog in the wheel" means to be a small but important part of a larger process or system.
Summary: A cog railway is a special train system that climbs steep mountains using cogwheels.