rack and pinion

¹

noun

, Machinery, Automotive.

1. rack15a

rack-and-pinion

²

[ rak-uhn-pin-yuhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a mechanism in which a rack engages a pinion:

   rack-and-pinion steering.

rack-and-pinion

noun

1. a device for converting rotary into linear motion and vice versa, in which a gearwheel (the pinion) engages with a flat toothed bar (the rack)

adjective

1. (of a type of steering gear in motor vehicles) having a track rod with a rack along part of its length that engages with a pinion attached to the steering column

Word History and Origins

Origin of rack and pinion¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The sanctioning body moved to an independent rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, a five-speed sequential shifter, a transaxle, 19-inch wheels and a center hub instead of lug nuts.

From Washington Times

The sanctioning body moved to an independent rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, a five-speed sequential shifter, a transaxle, 19-inch wheels and a center hub instead of lug nuts.

From Seattle Times

The recirculating ball steering is replaced with rack-and-pinion, and 15-inch wheels have been swapped for 18-inchers.

From New York Times

But the Next Gen also added modern upgrades that are found on today’s street cars - rack-and-pinion steering, independent rear suspension, bigger wheels and upgraded connectivity to allow for an in-car camera in every vehicle.

From Washington Times

But the Next Gen also added modern upgrades that are found on today’s street cars — rack-and-pinion steering, independent rear suspension, bigger wheels and upgraded connectivity to allow for an in-car camera in every vehicle.

From Seattle Times