Pronunciation: [kˈɒɡwiːlz] (IPA) 
Cogwheels is spelled with three syllables, pronounced as /kɒɡwiːlz/. The first syllable, "cog", is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by a hard "g" and a long "o". The second syllable, "wheels", has a long "ee" sound, pronounced as "eɪ", followed by a soft "l" and a "z" sound. This word describes the gears in a machine that fit together to transfer motion and power, commonly found in clocks, watches, and mechanical devices.
Cogwheels are mechanical devices that consist of toothed gears or wheels, specifically designed to transmit power or motion between rotating shafts. These wheels are characterized by their tooth-like projections, called cogs, which intermesh or engage with each other when in operation. They are commonly used in various machines and mechanisms to transmit torque, control speed, or change rotational direction.
Cogwheels are frequently employed in engines, clocks, and other mechanical systems where precise motion transfer is crucial. The teeth on the gears ensure a positive, reliable connection between rotating components, enabling efficient power transmission without slipping or loss of synchronization. They facilitate the conversion of circular motion from one shaft to another, giving machines the ability to perform specific tasks effectively.
Typically made from durable materials such as metal or hard plastic, cogwheels are meticulously designed to have specific tooth profiles and configurations, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing wear. The teeth are usually evenly spaced and have a specific shape to ensure accurate and efficient torque transfer. Additionally, the size and number of cogwheels used in a mechanism can greatly impact the overall performance, enabling speed control, torque multiplication, or motion reversal.
In summary, cogwheels are toothed gears or wheels that play a vital role in mechanical systems by facilitating the controlled transfer of rotational power and motion between rotating shafts.
The word "cogwheels" has a straightforward etymology. It is composed of two separate words, "cog" and "wheels".
The word "cog" dates back to the 14th century and is derived from Middle English "cogge", which meant "tooth" or "prong". It is further traced to the Proto-Germanic word "kugn", meaning "tooth" or "cog". The term refers to the projecting teeth or notches on the outer edge of a wheel or gear that interlock with the teeth of another wheel to transmit motion.
The word "wheel" comes from the Old English "hwēol", which itself has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "hwehwlą". "Wheel" refers to a circular mechanical device that rotates on an axle to transmit or modify force.
