Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spring in the shape of a coil: A mechanical component, typically made of elastic material like metal wire, that is wound in a continuous spiral or helix. Its primary function is to store mechanical energy when compressed or extended and release it when the force is removed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The watchmaker carefully replaced the broken volute spring inside the timepiece.
  • The vehicle's suspension system relies on a heavy-duty volute spring to absorb shocks from the road.
  • In the antique clock, the volute spring provides the necessary tension to drive the mechanism.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Specification: In engineering, a volute spring is often specified by its wire diameter, coil diameter, number of active coils, and material, which determine its stiffness and load capacity.
  • The design required a volute spring with a spring constant of 50 N/m.

Variants and Related Words

• Coil spring (n): A direct synonym for a volute spring, emphasizing its helical shape.
  • Most automotive suspensions use coil springs.
• Helical spring (n): Another technical term for a spring wound in a helix, essentially identical to a volute spring.
• Spring (n): The general category of elastic objects that store mechanical energy, which includes volute, leaf, and torsion springs.

Synonyms

• Coil spring: A spring formed into a spiral.
• Helical spring: A spring with a helix-shaped winding.

Related Phrases

• Compression spring: A type of volute/coil spring designed to resist being compressed.
  • The compression spring in the pen retracts the tip.
• Tension spring (or extension spring): A type of volute/coil spring designed to operate under tension, with hooks or loops at the ends.
  • The screen door uses a tension spring to pull it shut.

Noun

1. a spring in the shape of a coil