cog wheels

Interlocking rotating parts

Cog wheels are toothed wheels that mesh with other toothed wheels to transmit motion or power—the essential components of gears and clockwork.

The phrase is slightly redundant, since a cog is itself a tooth on such a wheel, but cog wheel emphasizes the complete rotating mechanism rather than its individual teeth.

Also spelled as one word: cogwheel.

Related

meshing · pinion · horology · ratchets · gear train · worm gear · watches · mechanics · escapement · clock tower · cam · millwork · industrial revolution · engineering · machinery · automaton · steampunk · torque

Opposites
mechanical power transmission method

cog wheelspulleys

Grooved wheels for rope

hydraulic systems · direct drive · belts · belt drive · belt drives

system organization metaphor

cog wheelsfree agent

Unsigned professional seeking employment

maverick · lone wolf · wild card · free spirit · individual contributor

Family

cog, wheel, cogs, wheels, wheeled, wheeling, wheeler

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G