pillow-block

A mechanic installs a new pillow-block on the rotating shaft.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical support: A "pillow-block" is a type of bearing housing or support unit used in machinery. It consists of a block with a hole or recess that holds a bearing, allowing a rotating shaft to be supported while reducing friction. It is often mounted on a base or frame.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer installed a new pillow-block to support the drive shaft. (A mechanical support unit for a rotating shaft.)
  • The pillow-block on the conveyor belt needed replacement due to wear. (The bearing housing required maintenance.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pillow-block bearing": A specific term for the bearing assembly within a pillow-block.
  • The pillow-block bearing was lubricated to ensure smooth operation. (The bearing inside the housing was greased.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pillow-block (n): alternative spelling with a hyphen (the standard form).
• Bearing block (n): a general term for a block that holds a bearing, often synonymous with pillow-block.
  • The bearing block was cast from iron. (The support unit was made of metal.)

Synonyms

• Bearing housing: the casing that contains a bearing.
• Bearing pedestal: a support structure for a bearing, similar to a pillow-block.
• Shaft support: a device that holds a rotating shaft in place.

Related Idioms

• "To be in the pillow-block": (rare, technical) to be securely supported or positioned in a bearing.
  • Once the shaft is in the pillow-block, it will rotate freely. (The shaft is properly placed in the support.)