thrust bearing

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. a bearing designed to absorb thrusts parallel to the axis of revolution.

---

thrust bearing British  

noun

1. engineering a low-friction bearing on a rotating shaft that resists axial thrust in the shaft. Usually it consists of a collar which bears against a ring of well lubricated stationary and sometimes tilting pads Compare tapered roller bearing

---

Etymology

Origin of thrust bearing

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thrust bearing

In 1980, the Warrior was seized by the Spanish navy, who removed a thrust bearing from the propeller shaft and held the ship for $142,000 bail.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2025

The lens rotates in time with ZAR on a massive thrust bearing, and is housed in a plastic sphere 100 ft. in diameter.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the rear end of the shaft very close to the propeller hub mounting there is a double thrust bearing to take the propeller thrust.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

The thrust bearing is of peculiar construction, the arrangement being such that the bearing surfaces remain in perfect contact however much the shaft may be out of line.

From Scientific American, Volume 22, No. 1, January 1, 1870 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various

Outside of the thrust bearing an annular ball bearing is used to take the radial load of the propeller.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred