driving wheel

noun

1. Machinery. a main wheel that communicates motion to others.
2. Also called driver. Railroads. one of the wheels of a locomotive that transmits the power of an engine or motor into tractive effort.

driving wheel

noun

1. a wheel, esp a gear wheel, that causes other wheels to rotate
2. any wheel of a vehicle that transforms torque into a tractive force

Word History and Origins

Origin of driving wheel¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

You see, the one holding on with his teeth, gripping the driving wheel.

From The Daily Beast

The movable hour circle and driving wheel of the Crossley reflector has two sets of graduations.

From Project Gutenberg

This is really the driving wheel by which it slowly moves up the steep gradient.

From Project Gutenberg

Adhesion is secured by throwing a proper proportion of the weight upon the driving-wheel, W.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the best known uses four little beveled pinions, which are placed in the main driving wheel as shown in the cut.

From Project Gutenberg

In the machinery of domestic life there is no more need for the driving wheel than for the brakes.

From Project Gutenberg