continuously variable transmission

American

noun

Automotive, Machinery.

a transmission, typically using rubber belts and pulleys, in which the ratio of the rotational speeds of two shafts, as the drive shaft and driven shaft of a vehicle, can be varied continuously within a given range, providing an infinite number of possible ratios. CVT

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For an additional $4,850, CX-50 buyers can opt for the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, three electric motors, continuously variable transmission, and hybrid all-wheel drive, using an independent rear traction motor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The current 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission carry over from the outgoing model.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2023

The cab runs on a 131-horsepower, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission to increase fuel economy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2014

It goes on sale later this year, available only with a continuously variable transmission mated to either a 175-horse 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder or a 256-horse 3.6-liter Boxer 6.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2014

The flywheel is driven through a continuously variable transmission in the rear wheel.

From Scientific American • Jun. 24, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023