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Glite Dictionary
epicyclic gear

epicyclic gear

8.8
A gear that turns around a central gear to change speed or turning force
  • noun
  • /ˈɛpɪˌsaɪklɪk ɡɪr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : engranaje epicíclico
  • The epicyclic gear allows for smooth changes in speed and torque within the automatic transmission.

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the worn epicyclic gear to restore proper function to the machinery.

  • Recent advancements in epicyclic gear design have improved the efficiency of wind turbines.

  • The epicyclic gear system allows for smooth gear changes.

  • An epicyclic gear can significantly improve efficiency.

  • The epicyclic gear enables precise adjustments in torque for electric vehicles.

  • By using an epicyclic gear, engineers can achieve a compact and efficient design in machinery.

  • Many modern automatic transmissions incorporate an epicyclic gear to enhance performance.

Synonyms

planetary gear
vsepicyclic gear
  • Specialized
1 7.4

A gear that turns around a central sun gear to change speed in a gearbox

emphasizes use to change speed or torque in mechanical transmissions
planet gear
vsepicyclic gear
  • Specialized
7.7

A small wheel with teeth that turns around a central gear and fits inside an outer ring

focuses on the gear's general role in changing speed or torque
planet wheel
vsepicyclic gear
  • Specialized
8.1

A gear that turns around a central gear in a gearbox

is used mainly to alter speed or torque in transmissions

Surface Forms

epicyclic gear singular
epicyclic gears plural

Morphology

epicyclic + gear

The noun phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'epicyclic' describes the type of motion/association (with epicycles or revolving around another axis), so a learner who knows 'epicyclic' and 'gear' can infer it means a gear that undergoes epicyclic/planetary motion. Although the term is technical, its meaning follows regular compositional patterns and is therefore recoverable from the constituents.

Etymology

Epicyclic gear gets its name from the image of small planet gears turning as they move around a central sun gear, like planets moving around the sun. So the name fits: these gears both spin and travel around the centre, letting a machine change speed or power, and the phrase describes a gear that 'revolves around' a central gear to do that.