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

It was therefore easier in rebuilding to include than to omit the pump, even though this required the addition of a cross shaft and worm gear combination.

From The Wright Brothers' Engines and Their Design by Hobbs, Leonard S.

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

From No Moving Parts by Yaco, Murray F.

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 Goldfrap, John Henry

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.]

Probably he saw me enter, but how could he know enough to work the worm gear and close the door?

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