worm-wheel

A mechanic installs a new worm-wheel into a gearbox.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gear mechanism: A "worm-wheel" is a toothed wheel that meshes with a worm (a threaded screw-like gear) to transmit motion at right angles, typically used in machinery for speed reduction or precise movement.

Usage Examples

• (The toothed gear in a worm gear system.)
• (A component in a mechanical transmission.)

Advanced Usage

• "worm-wheel drive": A system where a worm (screw) rotates a worm-wheel to achieve high torque and self-locking properties.

  • The worm-wheel drive in the elevator prevents it from descending when power is lost. (A safety feature using a worm gear.)

• "worm-wheel assembly": The combination of a worm and its matching worm-wheel, often enclosed in a gearbox.

  • The worm-wheel assembly required lubrication to reduce friction. (The entire gear set.)

Variants and Related Words

• Worm gear (n): a type of gear consisting of a worm and a worm-wheel working together.
  • The worm gear is commonly used in automotive steering systems. (The complete mechanism.)
• Worm shaft (n): the rotating shaft that carries the worm, which engages the worm-wheel.
  • The worm shaft was misaligned, causing noise. (The threaded part of the gear.)

Synonyms

• Crown wheel: a similar gear used in differentials, though not identical.
• Worm gear wheel: a more descriptive synonym for the same component.

Related Idioms