Cog: meaning, definitions and examples

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cog

[ kɒɡ ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.