worm-gear

A mechanic installs a worm-gear in a small machine.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical component: "worm gear" refers to a gear arrangement in which a screw-like "worm" meshes with a toothed "wheel" (often called a worm wheel) to transmit motion and power between non-parallel, usually perpendicular, shafts. It is a type of gear system used to achieve high torque reduction and smooth, quiet operation.

Usage Examples

• (A gear system using a worm and wheel.)
• (A mechanical component for power transmission.)

Advanced Usage

• "Worm gear ratio": the relationship between the number of threads on the worm and the number of teeth on the gear wheel, determining the speed reduction.

  • A high worm gear ratio provides significant torque multiplication but reduces output speed. (The ratio controls mechanical advantage.)

• "Self-locking worm gear": a type of worm gear that prevents the gear from being driven backward by the wheel, useful in hoists and lifts.

  • The self-locking worm gear ensures the load stays in place without a brake. (A safety feature in mechanical systems.)

Variants and Related Words

• Worm wheel (n): the toothed wheel that meshes with the worm in a worm gear system.

  • The worm wheel must be made of a softer material to reduce wear. (The wheel component of the gear set.)

• Worm drive (n): a system that uses a worm gear to transmit power.

  • The worm drive in the winch provides smooth lifting. (A mechanical drive system.)

Synonyms

• Screw gear: an alternative term for worm gear, emphasizing the screw-like shape.
• Worm and wheel: a descriptive term for the two-component system.

Related Idioms

• "Worm gear" (no common idioms): This term is primarily technical and does not appear in everyday idiomatic language.