pulley
a wheel, with a grooved rim for carrying a line, that turns in a frame or block and serves to change the direction of or to transmit force, as when one end of the line is pulled to raise a weight at the other end: one of the simple machines.
a combination of such wheels in a block, or of such wheels or blocks in a tackle, to increase the force applied.
a wheel driven by or driving a belt or the like, used to deliver force to a machine, another belt, etc., at a certain speed and torque.
Origin of pulley
1Other words from pulley
- pul·ley·less, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use pulley in a sentence
Elaborate poses are often held with the help of pulleys, pillows, and other props.
Most persons have seen a ship, and know the way in which the yards are moved, and the sails squared by means of ropes and pulleys.
Gospel Philosophy | J. H. WardThese pulleys were rigged with cords, one end of which was made fast to the upper part of the bed.
Charles Duran | The Author of The WaldosThe purpose of this appliance is to provide a horizontal shaft upon which pulleys or driving gears may be mounted.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2 | VariousThey suddenly let down the portcullis, which they had raised somewhat by pulleys, and thus closed up the gateway.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2) | Polybius
The motion will be imparted to it by the chain and pulleys seen at outer end of the derrick jib.
Scientific American Supplement No. 299 | Various
British Dictionary definitions for pulley
/ (ˈpʊlɪ) /
a wheel with a grooved rim in which a rope, chain, or belt can run in order to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope, etc
a number of such wheels pivoted in parallel in a block, used to raise heavy loads
a wheel with a flat, convex, or grooved rim mounted on a shaft and driven by or driving a belt passing around it
Origin of pulley
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for pulley
[ pul′ē ]
A machine consisting of a wheel over which a pulled rope or chain runs to change the direction of the pull used for lifting a load. Combinations of two or more pulleys working together reduce the force needed to lift a load. See also block and tackle.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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