wheel and axle

noun

1. a simple machine consisting, in its typical form, of a cylindrical drum to which a wheel concentric with the drum is firmly fastened: ropes are so applied that as one unwinds from the wheel, another rope is wound on to the drum.

wheel and axle

noun

1. a simple machine for raising weights in which a rope unwinding from a wheel is wound onto a cylindrical drum or shaft coaxial with or joined to the wheel to provide mechanical advantage

Word History and Origins

Origin of wheel and axle¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

A molecular rotor consists of a central rotating molecule that is connected by axis molecules to stationary stator molecules, similar to the way that a wheel and axle are connected to a car frame.

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“Future investigative activity will focus on failure analysis of the subject wheelsets and on industry-wide standards and practices for railcar wheel and axle assembly processes, specifications, and quality control,” the safety board said Monday.

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You can attach your rubber band to a simple machine—a wheel and axle—to build a simple rubber band–powered car.

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The titles are "six so-called mechanical powers – the lever, wedge, wheel and axle, pulley, screw and inclined plane".

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So long as this is so, the wheel and axle will not move of itself.

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