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 rod is attached to the gage with a worm gear and is operated by a small hand wheel at the front of the table.

From Paper-Cutting Machines A Primer of Information about Paper and Card Trimmers, Hand-Lever Cutters, Power Cutters and Other Automatic Machines for Cutting Paper (Typographic Technical Series Part 1, No. 10) by David Grayson

By way of reply Mr. Barr went to the starboard wall of the cabin and pulled a lever connecting with a worm gear.

From The Boy Scouts for Uncle Sam by John Henry Goldfrap

The chain drive also allows the replacement of the sprocket with one of a larger or smaller diameter thereby giving a higher or lower gear ratio, which cannot be done with the worm gear.

From Motor Truck Logging Methods Engineering Experiment Station Series, Bulletin No. 12 by Frederick Malcolm Knapp

The motion obtained from the worm gear is transferred through suitable gearing to the rack pinion.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Joshua Rose

A motor started turning, and the worm gear on the motor opened a valve on the boiler.

From All Day September by H. R. van Dongen