gear-wheel

A mechanic places a new gear-wheel into a complex machine.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A "gear-wheel" is a mechanical component, typically a wheel with teeth around its circumference, designed to mesh with another toothed wheel to transmit motion or change speed, torque, or direction in machinery.
   • It is a specific type of gear that is circular in shape, often used in engines, clocks, and industrial equipment.

Usage Examples

• (A toothed wheel that failed in the vehicle's power system.)
• (A toothed wheel that engages with the chain for propulsion.)
• (A toothed wheel that regulates movement in a timepiece.)

Advanced Usage

• "to mesh gear-wheels": to cause two gear-wheels to interlock their teeth.

  • The engineer ensured the gear-wheels meshed smoothly to avoid friction. (The teeth of the wheels engaged correctly for efficient operation.)

• "gear-wheel ratio": the relationship between the sizes or numbers of teeth of two meshing gear-wheels, affecting speed and torque.

  • A higher gear-wheel ratio increases torque but reduces speed. (The ratio determines mechanical advantage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gear (n): a broader term for any toothed mechanical component, including gear-wheels.

  • The machine has several gears, including a large gear-wheel. (A general term for toothed parts.)

• Wheel (n): a circular component that rotates, not necessarily toothed.

  • The gear-wheel is a specialized wheel with teeth. (A basic rotating part.)

Synonyms

• Toothed wheel: a wheel with projections (teeth) for engaging with another wheel.
• Cogwheel: a synonym for gear-wheel, especially in informal or historical contexts.

Related Idioms

• "a cog in the machine": a person or part that is a small but necessary component of a larger system.
  • He felt like just a gear-wheel in the corporate machine. (A minor but essential role in a larger organization.)