Definition

Noun: A Meccano set is a trademarked brand of a construction toy system. It consists of reusable metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles, gears, and other parts, along with nuts and bolts to connect them. It is designed for building working models and mechanical structures.

Usage

A Meccano set is used as a singular, countable noun. It refers to the specific box or collection of parts from this brand. - He spent hours building a crane with his Meccano set. - A classic Meccano set encourages engineering and problem-solving skills.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used generically (though trademarked) to refer to any similar metal construction toy set.
  • The project required the kind of precise assembly you learn from a Meccano set.

Variants and Related Words

• Meccano (noun, proper): The brand name itself. Often used attributively (e.g., Meccano parts, Meccano manual).
• Construction set (noun): The general category of toys to which Meccano belongs.
• Erector Set (noun, proper): A similar, competing brand of construction toy, primarily in North America.

Synonyms

• Engineering set
• Model construction kit
• Building set (This is a broader term that includes plastic and wooden sets like LEGO.)

Notes

• "Meccano" is a registered trademark. When capitalized, it specifically refers to the brand. The lowercase variant "meccano set" is sometimes used generically.
• It is historically significant as one of the first and most influential construction toys, inspiring interest in mechanics and engineering.

Noun

1. a child's construction set for making mechanical models