worm gear

American  

Or wormgear

noun

1. a mechanism consisting of a worm engaging with and driving a worm wheel, the two axes usually being at right angles, used where a relatively low speed and a relatively large amplification of power are desired.

2. Also called worm wheel.  a gear wheel driven by a worm.

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worm gear British  

noun

1. a device consisting of a threaded shaft ( worm ) that mates with a gearwheel ( worm wheel ) so that rotary motion can be transferred between two shafts at right angles to each other

2. Also called: worm wheel.  a gearwheel driven by a threaded shaft or worm

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Etymology

Origin of worm gear

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

worm gear

The worm gear must have shut of itself.

From Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat, or, under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure by Appleton, Victor [pseud.]

The worm rotates the worm gear, F, in two opposite arms of which are slots that carry pins projecting inwards, which may be moved toward or away from the center.

From Scientific American, Volume 17, No. 26 December 28, 1867 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various

And by means of a worm gear, operated by a wheel near the steering apparatus, the light could be deflected in any direction.

From The Motor Girls at Camp Surprise The Cave in the Mountains by Penrose, Margaret

Number one: By now you know which component is a worm gear.

From No Moving Parts by Yaco, Murray F.

Tom frantically worked the worm gear that opened the tower.

From Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat, or, under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure by Appleton, Victor [pseud.]