Axle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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axle
[ˈæksəl ]
Definitions
mechanical
a rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) passing through the center of a wheel or group of wheels
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| axle |
A rod or spindle that passes through the center of a wheel or group of wheels. It’s commonly used in vehicles and machinery.
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Examples of usage
- The car's axle broke, causing the wheels to stop turning.
- The axle of the bicycle needed greasing to reduce friction.
figurative
a central or pivotal point
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| axle |
This is a mechanical term used to refer to the central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. It's often used in the context of vehicles, machinery, and engineering.
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Examples of usage
- Education is often seen as the axle of societal progress.
- Trust serves as the axle in building strong relationships.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Engineering
- Axles are essential for most vehicles, including cars, bikes, and trains, as they support the weight of the vehicle and the load it carries.
- There are two main types of axles: 'live' and 'dead'. Live axles drive the wheels, while dead axles only support them.
- The design of the axle can greatly influence a vehicle's stability and performance, making it a crucial component in automotive engineering.
History
- Axles date back to ancient civilizations, with the first recorded use appearing around 3500 BC in Sumer, where they were used for carts.
- The concept of the wheel and axle revolutionized transportation, allowing for easier movement of goods and people across distances.
- In medieval times, advancements in axle design contributed to the development of heavier vehicles for transporting loads across rugged terrain.
Pop Culture
- In movies and cartoons, vehicles often have exaggeratedly large axles to emphasize speed or power, highlighting their importance in transportation.
- Heavy metal music frequently uses 'axle' symbolism in lyrics to express strength or mechanical themes, drawing on the idea of machinery.
Science
- The physics of axles involves understanding torque – the force that causes rotation – which is essential in mechanics and engineering principles.
- Different materials, like steel or carbon fiber, can be used to make axles stronger and lighter, affecting how they perform under various conditions.
Origin of 'axle'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'axle' comes from the Middle English 'axil', which has its roots in the Old French word 'axe', originally meaning 'pivot' or 'axis'.
- The Latin word 'axis' also contributed to its meaning, which translates to 'a line around which body parts rotate'.
The word 'axle' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin word 'axis', meaning 'pivot' or 'axle'. It has been used to refer to the central rod or spindle of a wheel since that time, and later expanded to include a figurative meaning of a central or pivotal point.