Gearwheel

/ˈɡɪrˌwil/ noun

Definition

A wheel with teeth around its edge that meshes with other toothed wheels to transmit motion and power in machinery.

Etymology

Compound of 'gear' and 'wheel.' The term has been used since at least the Middle Ages to describe toothed wheels in mechanical devices.

Kelly Says

Gearwheels are humanity's oldest mechanical multipliers—with just the right angle and tooth count, one small gearwheel can control the force of something 100 times heavier.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.