How Do You Spell COG?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒɡ] (IPA)

The word "cog" is spelled with three letters, and is pronounced /kɒɡ/ in the IPA phonetic transcription. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "c" sound, as in "cat," while the "o" is pronounced as a short "o" sound, as in "hot." The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, as in "goat." The word "cog" can refer to a small toothed wheel or gear, often used in machinery to transmit power or motion. Its simple spelling and pronunciation make it a useful word in many contexts.

COG Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. • Prefix-see co.
    • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a cog in the maˈchine/ˈwheel

Similar spelling words for COG

Plural form of COG is COGS

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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