front-wheel drive

[ fruhnt hweel, -weel ]

noun

, Automotive.

1. a drive system in which engine power is transmitted through the front wheels only.

Word History and Origins

Origin of front-wheel drive¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The vehicle will nominally operate in front-wheel drive to return the highest possible fuel economy, but when four-wheel drive is engaged, torque can be split evenly between the front and rear axles, doubling traction.

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