See Also: top gear(dictionary)
low gear(dictionary)
first gear(dictionary)
gear(encyclopedia)
gear(dictionary)
gear(medicine)
differential gear(dictionary)
differential gear(encyclopedia)
gear 1, noun(dictionary)
gear 2, verb(dictionary)

gear (sh)




Machine component consisting of a toothed wheel attached to a rotating shaft.

Gears operate in pairs, the teeth of one engaging the teeth of a second, to transmit and modify rotary motion and torque. To transmit motion smoothly, the contacting surfaces of gear teeth must be carefully shaped to a specific profile. The smaller of a gear pair is often known as the pinion. If the pinion is on the driving shaft, the pair acts to reduce speed and to amplify torque; if the pinion is on the driven shaft, the pair acts to increase speed and reduce torque.