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Cogs: meaning, definitions and examples

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cogs

 

[ kɒɡz ]

Noun
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

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

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

Translations of the word "cogs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engrenagens

🇮🇳 गियर

🇩🇪 Zahnräder

🇮🇩 roda gigi

🇺🇦 шестерні

🇵🇱 koła zębate

🇯🇵 歯車

🇫🇷 engrenages

🇪🇸 engranajes

🇹🇷 dişliler

🇰🇷 기어

🇸🇦 تروس

🇨🇿 ozubená kola

🇸🇰 ozubené kolesá

🇨🇳 齿轮

🇸🇮 zobniki

🇮🇸 gír

🇰🇿 тістіктер

🇬🇪 კბილანები

🇦🇿 dişlilər

🇲🇽 engranajes

Etymology

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.