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Cog: meaning, definitions and examples

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cog

 

[ kɒɡ ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "cog" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engrenagem

🇮🇳 दाँतेदार पहिया

🇩🇪 Zahnrad

🇮🇩 roda gigi

🇺🇦 зубчасте колесо

🇵🇱 koło zębate

🇯🇵 歯車 (はぐるま)

🇫🇷 roue dentée

🇪🇸 rueda dentada

🇹🇷 dişli

🇰🇷 톱니바퀴

🇸🇦 ترس

🇨🇿 ozubené kolo

🇸🇰 ozubené koleso

🇨🇳 齿轮 (chǐlún)

🇸🇮 zobnik

🇮🇸 tannhjól

🇰🇿 тісті доңғалақ

🇬🇪 კბილანა

🇦🇿 dişli

🇲🇽 rueda dentada

Etymology

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.