Gearwheel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in the context of mechanical engineering or technical discussions, often referring to a wheel with teeth that meshes with another toothed component to transmit torque.

• The technician replaced the broken gearwheel in the machine
• Engineers examined the gearwheel for signs of wear

Commonly used in everyday language as it refers to the function (not the actual shape) of mechanical parts, including but not limited to gearwheels. It is versatile and can be used for both technical and layman discussions.

• The cyclist shifted gears to go uphill
• The car's transmission gears need regular maintenance

Primarily used in historical or less technical contexts, often referring to older machinery or to make the writing sound more vintage or archaic.

• In the museum, we saw an ancient clock with large cogwheels
• The novelist described the sound of the cogwheels turning in the old mill