universal joint

noun

, Machinery.

1. a coupling between rotating shafts set at an angle to one another, allowing for rotation in three planes.

universal joint

noun

1. a form of coupling between two rotating shafts allowing freedom of angular movement in all directions

Word History and Origins

Origin of universal joint¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Rearmost of all was a wooden crosspiece to which the shaft of the sledge-meter was attached through a universal joint.

From Project Gutenberg

Harry worked hard for some ten or fifteen minutes to get the universal joint firmly bolted to the eye of the anchor.

From Project Gutenberg

Protruding from a special port was a heavy-duty universal joint with special attachments.

From Project Gutenberg

This lever is mounted on a universal joint, and can be moved from side to side as well as to and fro.

From Project Gutenberg

The mitre is a universal joint, used for connecting angles of timber as in the case of picture frames.

From Project Gutenberg