COG Meaning and
Definition
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A cog is a noun that refers to a tooth or protrusion on the circumference of a wheel or gear. It is an essential component in machinery and mechanisms that involve the transfer of motion or power. The shape of a cog is typically trapezoidal or triangular, allowing it to interlock with the teeth of another cog, forming a mechanical connection.
Cogs are commonly used in various devices, such as watches, clocks, engines, and bicycles, to transmit rotational force from one part to another. They are designed to engage with one another in a precise manner, creating smooth and efficient movement. The intermeshing cogs enable the transfer of power and convert rotational motion into a different speed or torque output, depending on their size and configuration.
In a figurative sense, the term "cog" can also refer to a person who plays a small or unimportant role in a larger system or organization. This usage derives from the analogy that individuals who function as cogs in a machine are responsible for carrying out specific, repetitive tasks without significant influence or decision-making power. This connotation emphasizes the lack of autonomy or individual agency associated with being a cog.
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One of a series of teeth or projections on a wheel or other part of machinery; used figuratively in the sense of an interruption to the regular course of any action.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• The tooth on the rim of a wheel; a piece of deceit; a trick.
• To furnish with cogs; to obtain by flattering or wheedling; to wheedle; to cheat.
• A wooden vessel of a circular form for containing milk, broth, &c.; a little boat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COG
Etymology of COG
The word "cog" has a Middle English origin, derived from the Old English word "cwagga" meaning "a wheel with teeth". This Old English term is related to the Middle Dutch word "cogge" and the Middle High German word "kogge", which also referred to a toothed wheel or cog. The ultimate origin of this word is uncertain, but it might have its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*kuggōną", which meant "to gossip" or "to talk idly". Over time, the meaning of "cog" expanded to refer not only to the individual toothed wheels but also to the entire machinery or system that employs such wheels. The term is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is an important or indispensable part of a larger operation or organization.
Idioms with the word COG
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cog in the wheel (or machine
The idiom "cog in the wheel (or machine)" refers to a person who is seen as a small and unimportant part of a larger system or organization. It suggests that this person's role is essential but lacks individuality or significance. They are just one of many interchangeable parts that keep the overall operation running smoothly.
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a small cog in a large machine
The idiom "a small cog in a large machine" refers to a person or thing that is considered insignificant or unimportant within a larger organization or system. It emphasizes the lack of individual impact or control when part of a large and complex entity.
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a small cog in a large wheel
The idiom "a small cog in a large wheel" refers to a person who plays a minor or insignificant role in a much larger or complex system or organization. It suggests that the individual's contribution or impact is relatively small within the grand scheme of things.
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a cog in the wheel
The idiom "a cog in the wheel" refers to a person or thing that is an essential but small and insignificant part of a larger system or organization. It implies that the individual's contribution is necessary for the smooth functioning of the whole, but their role lacks prominence or importance in the grand scheme of things.
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cog in the machine
The idiom "cog in the machine" refers to someone who is a small, insignificant part of a larger system or organization. It implies that the person is seen as a mere function or piece of machinery, with little individuality or importance.
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cog in the wheel
The idiom "cog in the wheel" refers to a person who plays a small, insignificant role in a larger system or organization. It implies that the person's contribution is essential but not recognized or valued individually. Similar to a small gear in a machine, they are an integral part of the system but easily replaced or overlooked.
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slip a cog
The idiom "slip a cog" refers to making a mistake or experiencing a mental lapse. It comes from a mechanical metaphor, comparing the functioning of a person's mind to the interlocking gears of a machine. If one of the cogs slips out of place, it disrupts the smooth operation and leads to an error or confusion.
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a cog in the machine
The idiom "a cog in the machine" refers to a person who is considered a small, unimportant part of a larger organization or system. It implies that the individual is seen as replaceable and lacks autonomy or significance within the overall operation or structure.
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a cog in the machine/wheel
The idiom "a cog in the machine" or "a cog in the wheel" refers to an individual who is considered as a small, unimportant, or replaceable part of a larger system or organization. This expression implies that the person's role is essential to keep the system or organization functioning smoothly, but their individual contribution or significance is often undervalued or overlooked.
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a cog in the maˈchine/ˈwheel
Similar spelling words for COG
- cop,
- dog,
- cocci,
- cowage,
- cow,
- con-,
- bog,
- cosh,
- jog,
- COD,
- cozza,
- couse,
- coax,
- cough,
- cook,
- coxa,
- cooks,
- couch,
- coss,
- cozey,
- cows,
- Cozzi,
- c.o.d.,
- coco,
- cox-1,
- Coxe,
- cosio,
- coigue,
- cox-2,
- coach,
- fog,
- cozy,
- co.,
- cob,
- co,
- cox,
- cocke,
- coke,
- coca,
- cooke,
- cocoa,
- log,
- cosy,
- cosey,
- Coosa,
- cot,
- cocky,
- cock,
- hog,
- cooky,
- cos,
- clog,
- cocco,
- co-,
- cozie.
Conjugate verb Cog
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have cogged
you
would have cogged
he/she/it
would have cogged
we
would have cogged
they
would have cogged
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been cogging
you
would have been cogging
he/she/it
would have been cogging
we
would have been cogging
they
would have been cogging
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would cog
you
would cog
he/she/it
would cog
we
would cog
they
would cog
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be cogging
you
would be cogging
he/she/it
would be cogging
we
would be cogging
they
would be cogging
FUTURE
I
will cog
you
will cog
he/she/it
will cog
we
will cog
they
will cog
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cogging
you
will be cogging
he/she/it
will be cogging
we
will be cogging
they
will be cogging
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cogged
you
will have cogged
he/she/it
will have cogged
we
will have cogged
they
will have cogged
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cogging
you
will have been cogging
he/she/it
will have been cogging
we
will have been cogging
they
will have been cogging
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s cog
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cogging
you
were cogging
he/she/it
was cogging
we
were cogging
they
were cogging
PAST PARTICIPLE
cogged
PAST PERFECT
I
had cogged
you
had cogged
he/she/it
had cogged
we
had cogged
they
had cogged
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cogging
you
had been cogging
he/she/it
had been cogging
we
had been cogging
they
had been cogging
PRESENT
I
cog
you
cog
he/she/it
cogs
we
cog
they
cog
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cogging
you
are cogging
he/she/it
is cogging
we
are cogging
they
are cogging
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cogging
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cogged
you
have cogged
he/she/it
has cogged
we
have cogged
they
have cogged
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cogging
you
have been cogging
he/she/it
has been cogging
we
have been cogging
they
have been cogging
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
cog
SIMPLE PAST
I
cogged
you
cogged
he/she/it
cogged
we
cogged
they
cogged
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