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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

worm gear

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

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

In the worm gear there is no slack to take up and the power can be applied more gradually, thus reducing the chances of spinning the wheels and losing the traction.

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

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 Victor [pseud.] Appleton

The ensign merely nodded and began to operate a worm gear which swung the tubes at an acuter angle to the body of the submarine vessel.

From The Boy Scouts for Uncle Sam by John Henry Goldfrap

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