Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
⚙️ A toothed wheel ⚙️ A settings icon
cogwheel

cogwheel

4.4
A gear icon you click or tap to open settings
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔɡˌwɪl/
  • Texting
translation icon : icono de engranaje
  • To change the settings, click on the cogwheel icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Examples

  • If you click on the cogwheel icon in IE9 RC and select "Send feedback," you can file a bug report.

    Blog text (24)

  • Tap the tiny cogwheel in the top right corner to gain access to the app's options and connect that to your Mac PC or computer.

    Blog text (12)

  • The cogwheel icon allows users to adjust preferences and configure their application settings.

  • In the app menu, you can find a cogwheel symbol that opens the settings panel.

Synonyms

gear wheel
vscogwheel
  • Specialized
3.5

A round wheel with teeth that fits together with another wheel to move parts or change speed

is a small graphical symbol used in software to open settings

Surface Forms

cogwheel singular
cogwheels plural

Morphology

cogwheel = cog + wheel (semi-transparent) = cog + wheel

The icon meaning is a conventionalized metaphor based on the toothed wheel, so the relation to the parts is clear but relies on cultural/UI convention.

Etymology

Cogwheel as an icon comes from the real cogwheel used in machines. Because a cogwheel is a small gear you turn to change how a machine works, the picture became a sign for 'settings' or the place to change options in an app.