gears

Mesh to move

Gears are toothed wheels that mesh with other toothed wheels to transmit motion or change speed and torque in machinery.

The plural often refers to a system of such wheels: The gears in the transmission.

In vehicles, gears are the different speed ratios: shift gears, low gear, high gear.

To gear up is to prepare: We're gearing up for the holidays.

Something geared toward a purpose is designed or adjusted for it: a program geared toward beginners.

mechanical

cog

Projecting gear tooth

cogwheelToothed rotating machine part
teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
meshInterlocking open weave

pinion · spur · bevel · helical · worm · rack · ratio · reduction · idler · planetary

cycling

bicycle

Pedal-powered two-wheeler

derailleurBike gear changer
chainringBicycle's front sprocket
cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge

shifter · sprocket · crankset · freewheel · hub · spokes · pedal · cadence · touring · cyclist

transmission

drivetrain

Vehicle power transmission system

powertrainVehicle propulsion system
clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
synchromeshGear-matching transmission mechanism

shifter · axle · torque · automatic · manual · overdrive · reverse · neutral · downshift · upshift

equipment

kit

Grouped supplies, one purpose

suppliesResources for a task
tackleGear or takedown
apparatusEquipment for a task

outfit · tools · accessories · hardware · paraphernalia · rigging · luggage · backpack · camping · climbing

preparation

ready

Suitable for use now

prepareMake ready beforehand
mobilizeOrganize for action
ramp-upPhased increase in intensity

activate · engage · brace · warm-up · focus · anticipate · position · prime · set

Categories

timekeepingclock, watch, watches, clocks, timer
Industrial Imagerymachinery, factories, smokestacks, assembly lines, pipes
mechanicsforce, turning, rotation, momentum, velocity
auto partsengine, brakes, tires, wheels, steering wheel
contraption partslevers, pulleys, ramps, wheels, springs
found materialsfound objects, driftwood, sea glass, bottle caps, shells

Opposites

mechanical power transmission

gearsbelts

Waist-cinching straps

direct drive · belt drive · chains · hydraulics · pulleys

mechanical state/function

Having no gears

neutral · disengaged · freewheeling · seized · jammed

organization/preparedness

Lack of order

chaos · dysfunction · disorganization · disorders · standstill

Phrases

shift gearsAlter one's approach abruptly
gear upPrepare for activity
geared upMade ready, outfitted
reflective gearLight-returning safety apparel
gearing upPreparing for something ahead
rain gearWaterproof clothing ensemble

Family

gear, geared, gearshift, gearing, gearbox, gearhead, gearwheel, gearshifts, gearset

Familiarity: Top 10,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G