worm gear

or worm·gear


noun

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.
Also called worm wheel. a gear wheel driven by a worm.

Origin of worm gear

First recorded in 1875–80

Example sentences from the Web for worm gear

British Dictionary definitions for worm gear

worm gear

noun

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
Also called: worm wheel a gearwheel driven by a threaded shaft or worm