wheel and axle

American  

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.

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wheel and axle British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of wheel and axle

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.

From Science Daily • Sep. 29, 2023

The safety board also said it was examining industry-wide standards and practices regarding railcar wheel and axle assemblies after a train derailment in Ohio earlier this month.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2023

“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.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 20, 2023

The third mechanical power, is the wheel and axle.

From Conversations on Natural Philosophy, in which the Elements of that Science are Familiarly Explained by Jones, Thomas P.

A telephone company donated a discarded pole, a farmer a discarded wagon wheel and axle.

From Farm Boys and Girls by McKeever, William Arch