synchromesh

American

[sing-kruh-mesh] / ˈsɪŋ krəˌmɛʃ /

adjective

noting or pertaining to a synchronized shifting mechanism.

noun

a synchronized shifting mechanism.
any of the gears of such a mechanism.

synchromesh British

/ ˈsɪŋkrəʊˌmɛʃ /

adjective

(of a gearbox, etc) having a system of clutches that synchronizes the speeds of the driving and driven members before engagement to avoid shock in gear changing and to reduce noise and wear

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

a gear system having these features

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of synchromesh

First recorded in 1925–30; synchro- + mesh

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.

So it would be nice if all manufacturers would spend a few shillings extra to give us synchromesh on first gear.

From The Guardian

I'd rather risk messing up the synchromesh and whack the gearstick into neutral.

From BBC

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