Cardan joint

American

[kahr-dan] / ˈkɑr dæn /

noun

Machinery. a universal joint consisting of a crosslike piece, opposite ends of which rotate within the forked end of each of the two shafts connected.

cardan joint British

/ ˈkɑːdæn /

noun

engineering a type of universal joint in a shaft that enables it to rotate when out of alignment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Cardan joint

1900–05; named after G. Cardano (1501–76), Italian mathematician, its inventor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The recall notice says the driveshaft may separate and cause the axle to lock if a double Cardan joint seizes up.

From US News

The cylinder rests directly upon a huge stirrup 45 ft. in length, the arms alone of which are affixed to the axis, through a Cardan joint.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023