fly-wheel
Definition
Noun: - A heavy revolving wheel in a machine: A "fly-wheel" is a large, rotating mechanical device used to store rotational energy. It helps to smooth out the power delivery from an engine or motor by resisting changes in speed, ensuring consistent operation.
Usage Examples
- (The heavy wheel keeps the engine running smoothly.)
- (It stores energy to balance the cycle.)
Advanced Usage
- "Fly-wheel effect": The tendency of a system to maintain its current state due to inertia, often used metaphorically in business or physics.
- The company's growth has a fly-wheel effect, where each success builds momentum for the next. (Success creates a self-reinforcing cycle.)
Variants and Related Words
- Flywheel (n): A common alternative spelling of "fly-wheel" (often written as one word).
- The flywheel in the car’s transmission must be balanced precisely. (Same meaning as fly-wheel.)
- Flywheel energy storage (n): A technology using flywheels to store and release electrical energy.
- Flywheel energy storage systems are used in power grids for short-term backup. (A specific application.)
Synonyms
- Inertia wheel: A wheel that relies on inertia to store energy.
- Balance wheel: A wheel that regulates motion in mechanical clocks (though more specific to timekeeping).
Phrasal Verbs
- (No common phrasal verbs directly using "fly-wheel" exist; it is a technical noun.)
Related Idioms
- "To keep the flywheel spinning": To maintain momentum or continuity in a process.
- We need to keep the flywheel spinning by completing tasks on schedule. (Keep the operation running smoothly.)