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Cogs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cogs

[kɒɡz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mechanical devices

Cogs are wheel-shaped objects with teeth around the edge, used to transfer motion in machinery. They are an essential component in many mechanical systems.

Synonyms

gears, sprockets, wheels.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cogs

Used to describe individual, small parts of a complex machine or system, often metaphorically referring to people or small components within a larger organization.

  • In our company, each employee is an important cog in the machine.
  • The factory’s machinery relies on thousands of tiny cogs working perfectly together.
gears

Refers to the mechanical parts that work together to change speed or direction in machines; can also metaphorically describe stages or levels of activity.

  • The car's gears shifted smoothly as we accelerated.
  • We need to shift gears if we want to meet the deadline.
sprockets

Specifically pertains to the teeth or projections on the edge of a wheel that engage with a chain or track, mostly in bicycles or motorcycles.

  • The bike's sprockets were worn out and needed replacement.
  • Make sure the chain is properly aligned with the sprockets.
wheels

Generally used for circular components that rotate and are commonly found in vehicles or machinery; also used in idiomatic expressions.

  • The wheels of the car need regular maintenance.
  • Innovation is the wheel driving progress in technology.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure all the cogs are properly lubricated for smooth operation.
  • The cogs in the clock were intricately designed and finely crafted.
Context #2 | Noun

informal slang

In informal slang, 'cogs' can refer to workers who are considered unimportant or easily replaceable in a larger organization.

Synonyms

employees, staff, workers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cogs

Use 'cogs' when referring to employees or workers as small, insignificant parts of a larger system, often in a negative or dehumanizing way.

  • In this massive corporation, we are all just cogs in the machine
  • He felt like a cog, easily replaceable and undervalued
workers

Use 'workers' when referring to people engaging in physical labor or blue-collar jobs, although it can also be used more broadly for any working individuals.

  • The factory workers protested for better wages
  • Many workers commute long distances to get to their jobs
employees

Use 'employees' in a formal or neutral context when referring to people who work for a company or organization.

  • The company has over 200 employees worldwide
  • Our employees are entitled to health benefits and paid vacations
staff

Use 'staff' when referring to a group of employees working under a common structure or organization, often used in the context of office, hospital, or educational environments.

  • The hospital staff worked tirelessly during the pandemic
  • The office staff was preparing for the annual meeting

Examples of usage

  • He was just one of the cogs in the corporate machine.
  • Don't treat your employees like cogs in a wheel.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Engineering

  • Cogs are essential in mechanics, allowing for the transfer of rotational motion and force between different components of machines.
  • The efficiency of a machine can be greatly influenced by the size and shape of its cogs, affecting speed and torque.
  • In clockmaking, intricate cogs work together to keep time accurately, highlighting the precision needed in engineering designs.

History

  • The use of cogs dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where they were used in simple machinery and water-lifting devices.
  • In medieval Europe, more complex cog systems enabled the development of watermills and windmills, greatly influencing agriculture and industry.
  • The Industrial Revolution saw a massive advancement in cog technology with the invention of machines, allowing for mass production.

Pop Culture

  • Cogs often symbolize teamwork and collaboration in movies and literature, where different individuals (cogs) work together towards a common goal.
  • Animated machines featuring cogs and gears appear frequently in steampunk genre stories, showcasing fantastical interpretations of industrial technology.
  • In popular video games, cogs are frequently used as mechanics in puzzles, requiring players to align them to progress through levels.

Science

  • Cogs are studied in physics to understand how forces are transmitted and how energy is conserved in mechanical systems.
  • Simplified models of cogs are used in educational settings to demonstrate basic principles of rotational motion and mechanical advantage.
  • In robotics, the design of cogs is crucial for creating efficient movements and functionalities within robotic arms and vehicles.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, machines with cogs represent the inner workings of society, often used as a metaphor for how each person contributes to the greater good.
  • Cogs appear in literary works that explore themes of industrialization and its impacts on human life, reflecting the complex relationship between technology and society.
  • The image of cogs is often invoked in poetry to convey ideas of time, order, and the relentless march of progress.

Origin of 'cogs'

The word 'cogs' originated from Middle English 'cogge', which referred to a type of ship. Over time, the term evolved to describe the wheel-shaped objects with teeth used in machinery. The slang usage of 'cogs' to refer to unimportant workers likely stems from the idea of workers being small parts in a larger, impersonal machine.

See also: cog, cogent, cogwheel.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,582, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.