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Pulley Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulley

[ˈpʊli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mechanical

A pulley is a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove along its edge to hold a rope or cable. It is used to change the direction of a force or to transmit mechanical power.

Synonyms

block and tackle, hoist, sheave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulley

A pulley is generally used when referring to a single wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, or transfer of power between the shaft and cable or belt. It's common in simple machines and everyday lifting tasks.

  • The pulley system helped lift the heavy furniture to the second floor.
  • I used a pulley to hang the bicycle in the garage.
block and tackle

This term is used when referring to a system of two or more pulleys with a rope or cable threaded between them, usually used to lift or move heavy objects with greater mechanical advantage. It is commonly used in sailing, construction, and theater.

  • The sailors used a block and tackle to raise the sail.
  • In the construction site, they employed a block and tackle to move the steel beams.
hoist

A hoist is typically a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which a rope or chain wraps. Hoists can be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chains, fiber or wire ropes as its lifting medium. It's common in industrial and construction settings.

  • The workers used an electric hoist to lift the machinery onto the truck.
  • They installed a hoist in the workshop for lifting heavy parts.
sheave

A sheave is specifically the grooved wheel or pulley that a rope or cable runs over. It's a more technical term often used in mechanical and engineering contexts, not typically in everyday conversations.

  • The sheave in the pulley system needed to be lubricated to reduce friction.
  • The engineer inspected the sheave for any signs of wear.

Examples of usage

  • A pulley is often used in combination with other pulleys to create a mechanical advantage.
  • The garage door opener uses a system of pulleys to lift the heavy door.
  • The flag on the ship was raised using a pulley system.
  • By adding more pulleys to the system, you can reduce the amount of force needed to lift an object.
  • Pulleys are commonly found in various industries for lifting heavy loads.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • Ancient Egyptians utilized pulleys in the construction of the pyramids to lift heavy stones.
  • Archimedes is believed to have invented the block and tackle system using pulleys around 300 BC, revolutionizing lifting techniques.
  • Pulleys were essential during the Industrial Revolution, significantly improving factory production methods.

Science and Mechanics

  • Pulleys change the direction of a force, making it easier to lift an object by pulling a rope downward.
  • A system with multiple pulleys can reduce the amount of effort needed to lift a load, known as the mechanical advantage.
  • The basic mechanical principle behind pulleys falls under simple machines, which are fundamental in physics.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, superheroes often use pulleys and other gadgets to perform extraordinary feats, lifting heavy objects effortlessly.
  • Cartoons frequently depict characters using pulleys in funny or exaggerated scenarios, highlighting their function in an entertaining way.
  • Pulleys are featured in popular animations to teach kids about simple machines through engaging storytelling.

Applications in Daily Life

  • Pulleys are commonly used in elevators, allowing us to move vertically between floors with ease.
  • Sailboats utilize pulley systems to raise sails, helping to harness wind power for movement.
  • Construction cranes rely heavily on pulleys to lift and move materials on building sites.

Origin of 'pulley'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'pulley' comes from the Middle English word 'polie', which means a small wheel.
  • This word derived from the Vulgar Latin 'pula', meaning a tiny ball or sphere, reflecting its rounded shape.
  • The concept of using a wheel and a rope for lifting dates back to ancient civilizations.

The word 'pulley' originated from the Old French word 'polie' which meant a 'pulley' or 'sheave'. The concept of using pulleys as a mechanical advantage dates back to ancient times, with evidence of pulley systems found in ancient Greece and Egypt. Pulleys have been an essential tool in lifting heavy objects and transmitting power for centuries, playing a crucial role in the development of various industries.

See also: pull, pullback, pulled, pulling, pullover.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,617, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.