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Pulley system: meaning, definitions and examples

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pulley system

[ ˈpʊli ˈsɪstəm ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mechanical device

A pulley system is a simple machine that consists of a wheel on an axle or shaft designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, usually rope or chain. It is commonly used to lift heavy objects or to transmit power.

Synonyms

block and tackle, hoist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pulley system	Used generally to describe any set of wheels and ropes designed to lift or move loads. Can be simple or complex. The construction crew set up a pulley system to lift the heavy beams to the top floor We used a pulley system to raise the flag on the flagpole
block and tackle	Refers specifically to a system of two or more pulleys with ropes or cables threaded between them, usually used for heavier lifting tasks. Sailors often use a block and tackle to raise and lower heavy sails The mechanics used a block and tackle to lift the engine out of the car
hoist	Used when talking about an apparatus designed specifically for lifting and lowering loads. Can be manual or powered. The warehouse includes an electric hoist for moving heavy pallets The mountain rescue team used a hoist to airlift the injured hiker to safety

Word

Description / Examples

pulley system

Used generally to describe any set of wheels and ropes designed to lift or move loads. Can be simple or complex.

The construction crew set up a pulley system to lift the heavy beams to the top floor
We used a pulley system to raise the flag on the flagpole

block and tackle

Refers specifically to a system of two or more pulleys with ropes or cables threaded between them, usually used for heavier lifting tasks.

Sailors often use a block and tackle to raise and lower heavy sails
The mechanics used a block and tackle to lift the engine out of the car

hoist

Used when talking about an apparatus designed specifically for lifting and lowering loads. Can be manual or powered.

The warehouse includes an electric hoist for moving heavy pallets
The mountain rescue team used a hoist to airlift the injured hiker to safety

Examples of usage

The pulley system in the gym helps lift the weights more easily.
The pulley system in the well makes it easier to draw water.

Translations

Translations of the word "pulley system" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sistema de polias

🇮🇳 पुली प्रणाली

🇩🇪 Flaschenzugsystem

🇮🇩 sistem katrol

🇺🇦 система блоків

🇵🇱 system bloczkowy

🇯🇵 滑車システム

🇫🇷 système de poulies

🇪🇸 sistema de poleas

🇹🇷 makara sistemi

🇰🇷 도르래 시스템

🇸🇦 نظام البكرات

🇨🇿 kladkový systém

🇸🇰 kladkový systém

🇨🇳 滑轮系统

🇸🇮 sistem škripcev

🇮🇸 trissukerfi

🇰🇿 шкив жүйесі

🇬🇪 ძირის სისტემა

🇦🇿 kasnak sistemi

🇲🇽 sistema de poleas

Etymology

The concept of a pulley system dates back to ancient times. The first recorded use of pulleys can be traced to Mesopotamia and Egypt around 1500 BCE. Pulleys were used to hoist heavy objects and facilitate construction projects. Over time, pulley systems became an integral part of various industries, including agriculture, mining, and transportation. Today, pulleys are still widely used in engineering and everyday life for their efficiency in lifting and moving heavy loads.