Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚙️
Add to dictionary

cog

[kɒɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mechanical device

A cog is a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear that meshes with another toothed part to transmit motion. Cogs are commonly used in machinery and mechanical systems.

Synonyms

gear, sprocket, tooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cog

Used to refer to a specific component in a complex machine, often implying a small part of a larger mechanism. Can also metaphorically describe someone who is just a small part in a larger system.

  • The engineer replaced the broken cog in the machine.
  • In the huge corporation, he felt like just another cog.
gear

Commonly used to refer to wheels with teeth that work together to change speed or direction in mechanical devices. It can also imply preparation or equipment for a specific task or activity.

  • She shifted the car into a lower gear to climb the hill.
  • The climbers packed their gear and headed for the mountains.
sprocket

Refers specifically to a toothed wheel or gear that engages with a chain or track in machines. It's often used in the context of bicycles or conveyor systems.

  • The bike chain slipped off the sprocket.
  • Maintenance of the conveyor system includes cleaning each sprocket.
tooth

Commonly refers to the individual projections on gears or cogs that interlock with each other. Can also be used in biological terms to describe the teeth in an animal or human mouth.

  • One of the gear's teeth was damaged, causing the machine to malfunction.
  • The dentist said I need to brush my teeth more thoroughly.

Examples of usage

  • The cogs in the gearbox were perfectly aligned.
  • Make sure all the cogs are oiled to prevent friction.
  • The clock stopped working because one of the cogs was broken.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A cog is a person who is unimportant or insignificant, especially in a large organization.

Synonyms

minion, pawn, peasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cog

Same as the first 'cog', can also be used as a small part of a machine.

  • The engineer replaced the broken cog in the mechanism
  • Every cog in the gears must be aligned perfectly for it to work efficiently
pawn

Typically used to indicate someone being used or manipulated by others for their own advantage, often without the person realizing it. Can have a negative connotation.

  • In the game of politics, he felt like just a pawn
  • She realized she was being used as a pawn in their scheme
peasant

Historically used to describe someone from a lower socioeconomic class, especially a farmer or laborer. Nowadays, it can carry a derogatory connotation if used to describe someone as unrefined or low-status.

  • In medieval times, peasants worked the land to provide for their lords
  • He looked down on them as if they were mere peasants
minion

Often used negatively to describe a follower or underling who does the bidding of someone more powerful, typically without question.

  • The villain's minions carried out his evil plans without hesitation
  • He treats his employees like minions, expecting them to follow his orders blindly

Examples of usage

  • He's just a small cog in the corporate machine.
  • Don't worry about what the cogs think, focus on your own work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Cogs have been used in machinery since ancient times, with early examples found in Greek and Roman devices.
  • The increasing complexity of gears and cogs during the Industrial Revolution accelerated advancements in engineering and manufacturing.

Science

  • Cogs are essential components in various machines, from simple clocks to complex engines, illustrating principles of mechanics.
  • The interaction between multiple cogs in a system is a prime example of how mechanical advantage can be achieved.

Literature

  • Cogs often represent the idea of individuals contributing to a larger system in both classic and modern literature, symbolizing teamwork.
  • In literary works, characters may be compared to cogs to show how each plays a role in the grand scheme of things, for better or worse.

Pop Culture

  • Cogs are frequently used as metaphors in films and books to discuss themes of conformity and the individual's role in society.
  • In popular culture, animated movies often depict cogs and gears to create whimsical settings, such as in steampunk genres or robot films.

Origin of 'cog'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old Norse 'kogg', which meant a type of ship. It later evolved to refer to gears.
  • In Middle English, the term also referred to a large ship, illustrating the connection between movement and propulsion.

The word 'cog' originated from Middle English 'cogge', which meant 'wooden bowl or dish'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the teeth on a wheel or gear. Cogs have been an essential part of machinery and mechanical systems for centuries, helping to transmit motion and power. In a figurative sense, 'cog' is also used to describe a person who plays a small or insignificant role in a larger organization.

See also: cogent, cogs, cogwheel.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,470, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.