worm gear

American  

Or wormgear

noun

1. a mechanism consisting of a worm engaging with and driving a worm wheel, the two axes usually being at right angles, used where a relatively low speed and a relatively large amplification of power are desired.

2. Also called worm wheel.  a gear wheel driven by a worm.

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worm gear British  

noun

1. a device consisting of a threaded shaft ( worm ) that mates with a gearwheel ( worm wheel ) so that rotary motion can be transferred between two shafts at right angles to each other

2. Also called: worm wheel.  a gearwheel driven by a threaded shaft or worm

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Etymology

Origin of worm gear

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

worm gear

It carried a four-drum engine, the drums of which were actuated, either separately or together, by a worm gear so as to operate positively in lowering as well as in raising.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

A spiral spring pressing against one of the journals into which the axle is mounted prevents any lost motion in the worm gear.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst

It was therefore easier in rebuilding to include than to omit the pump, even though this required the addition of a cross shaft and worm gear combination.

From The Wright Brothers' Engines and Their Design by Hobbs, Leonard S.

In the worm gear there is no slack to take up and the power can be applied more gradually, thus reducing the chances of spinning the wheels and losing the traction.

From Motor Truck Logging Methods Engineering Experiment Station Series, Bulletin No. 12 by Knapp, Frederick Malcolm

The ensign merely nodded and began to operate a worm gear which swung the tubes at an acuter angle to the body of the submarine vessel.

From The Boy Scouts for Uncle Sam by Goldfrap, John Henry