Shim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shim

[ʃɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bike part

A thin, flat, circular piece of metal used to adjust the gears on a bicycle.

Synonyms

gasket, spacer, washer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shim	used to fill gaps or spaces to ensure a proper fit or alignment, often in construction or mechanical applications. We used a shim to adjust the door frame for a perfect fit The table was wobbly, so I put a shim under one leg
spacer	used to maintain a specific distance between two components without any compression force, commonly used in electronics or mechanical assemblies. We inserted spacers between the circuit boards to ensure they don't touch The assembly needed spacers to maintain uniform distance between parts
washer	used beneath nuts or bolt heads to distribute load, reduce wear, or prevent leakage, typically in mechanical or construction settings. Place a washer under the bolt to protect the surface The screw kept loosening, so we added a washer
gasket	used to create a tight seal between two or more surfaces, often to prevent leaks in mechanical systems such as engines and plumbing. The engine was leaking oil, so we replaced the worn gasket Make sure the gasket is properly aligned before tightening the bolts

Examples of usage

Make sure the shim is properly aligned before tightening the bolts.
The mechanic replaced the old shim with a new one.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

machinery

A thin piece of material, often metal, inserted between surfaces to make them fit together more tightly.

Synonyms

insert, spacer, wedge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shim	Used when referring to a thin piece of material inserted to adjust alignment or fill a gap, often in mechanical or carpentry settings. The door was crooked, so he placed a shim under one side to level it The technician used a shim to align the gears properly
wedge	Describes a triangular piece used to hold objects in place or adjust their position, often by being driven into a tight spot. Can have a negative connotation if implying forceful action. She used a wedge to keep the door open The workers hammered a wedge under the table leg to stop it from wobbling
spacer	Refers to an object specifically used to create space or distance between two parts, common in construction, engineering, and hardware contexts. He used spacers to keep the tiles evenly spaced The engineer added a spacer to ensure the two components didn’t touch
insert	Typically used when describing an object being placed into something else, often in a more general or flexible context than 'shim'. The metal insert provides extra durability in the hole She placed the key insert into the lock to open it

Examples of usage

The technician used a shim to level the machine.
The door wouldn't close properly until a shim was added.

Translations

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

Origin of 'shim'

The word 'shim' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'schim'. It has been used in the context of machinery and engineering to refer to a thin piece of material used for adjusting or filling gaps between surfaces. Over time, 'shim' has become a common term in the field of mechanics and is widely recognized in the context of bikes, machinery, and other mechanical devices.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,385 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30382 ebullient
30383 hemostatic
30384 elision
30385 shim
30386 virology
30387 refereed
30388 dunce
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