big end

noun

, Machinery.

1. the end of a connecting rod or piston rod that is attached to a crankpin.

big end

noun

1. Also called (in vertical engines)bottom end the larger end of a connecting rod in an internal-combustion engine Compare little end
2. the bearing surface between the larger end of a connecting rod and the crankpin of the crankshaft

Word History and Origins

Origin of big end¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

And I never looked on it as the big end-of-my-career moment.

From The Daily Beast

The small end was a half-inch, perhaps, in bore, the big end perhaps three inches or less.

From Project Gutenberg

Bumper could see that it was morning, for the bright light shining through the big end of the drain-pipe proved that.

From Project Gutenberg

These are known as the crank pin bearings or the "big end" of the connecting rod bearings.

From Project Gutenberg

The big end should be towards the wind, so that a sort of tunnel is formed in the big end at windward.

From Project Gutenberg

The big end of the feather is fastened near the notch of the shaft and laid six or eight inches straight along the wood.

From Project Gutenberg