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

Such a worm gear will, I fancy, outwear a dozen of the scientific sort.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888 by Various

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

From All Day September by Dongen, H. R. van

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

From No Moving Parts by Yaco, Murray F.

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.]

The two knobs with drum are mounted on an axle a, which in its central portion is enlarged and provided with a worm gear.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst