worm gear

or wormgear

noun

1. a mechanism consisting of a worm engaging with and driving a worm wheel, the two axes usually being at right angles, used where a relatively low speed and a relatively large amplification of power are desired.
2. Also called worm wheel. a gear wheel driven by a worm.

worm gear

noun

1. a device consisting of a threaded shaft ( worm ) that mates with a gearwheel ( worm wheel ) so that rotary motion can be transferred between two shafts at right angles to each other
2. Also calledworm wheel a gearwheel driven by a threaded shaft or worm

Word History and Origins

Origin of worm gear¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Other bearings and worm gear of automatic device should be oiled with soft oil.

From Project Gutenberg

A worm gear is one in which one of the members is in the form of a screw.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a worm gear will, I fancy, outwear a dozen of the scientific sort.

From Project Gutenberg

Why—why we know that this is a metal double enveloping worm gear.

From Project Gutenberg

Of these the best known are the block and tackle, the endless screw (worm gear), and the water snail, or Archimedean screw.

From Project Gutenberg