countershaft

American  

[koun-ter-shaft, -shahft] / ˈkaʊn tərˌʃæft, -ˌʃɑft /

noun

Machinery.

1. jackshaft.

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countershaft British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌʃɑːft /

noun

1. an intermediate shaft that is driven by, but rotates in the opposite direction to, a main shaft, esp in a gear train

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Other Word Forms

• countershafting noun

Etymology

Origin of countershaft

First recorded in 1860–65; counter- + shaft

Example Sentences

The second driver is the second pulley on the countershaft, and the second driven is the one it drives or that on the machine.

From Project Gutenberg

Let the diameter of the second driven be 12; then its driver on the countershaft must be 24.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, in the case we have considered, the speed was increased, but the object of the countershaft may be to decrease the speed, and in that case the conditions would be reversed, inasmuch as though the foot pounds transmitted by both belts would still be equal, yet the speed would be greatest and the strain or pull the most on the second belt instead of on the first.

From Project Gutenberg

The countershaft for driving the saw arbors is below the machine, so that the saw that is not in use remains stationary.

From Project Gutenberg

The countershaft and tightener are a part of the machine and can be run wherever a belt can be brought to them.

From Project Gutenberg