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handwheel

handwheel

6.3
A round part you turn by hand to operate or adjust a machine
  • noun
  • /ˈhændˌwiːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : volante
  • With a quick twist of the handwheel, the operator changed the speed of the conveyor belt.

Examples

  • By means of the handwheel, the sliding bracket is lowered until the toes of the prosthesis make contact with the plate.

    Academic text (1991)
  • I did make sure the handwheel worked, though. :)

    Blog text (2)
  • By rotating the handwheel, the sliding bracket is brought down until the heel of the prosthesis makes contact with the foot piece.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The thread shaft is rotated through a beveled gear system operated by a handwheel.

    Academic text (1991)
  • [handwheel cranks]

  • By manipulating the handwheel, the foot-plate of the stirrup or the sling is engaged with the forefoot and the spring balance is set to zero.

    Academic text (1991)
  • A thread shaft runs through a nut incorporated in the sliding bracket; the shaft is rotated through a beveled gear system that is operated by a handwheel.

    Academic text (1991)
  • To adjust the pressure, simply turn the handwheel attached to the valve.

  • The technician used the handwheel to fine-tune the machine's settings during the test.

Synonyms

crank
vshandwheel
22 4.5

A handle that you turn to make a machine move

is a circular control turned directly for operating or adjusting a device

Surface Forms

handwheel singular
handwheels plural

Morphology

handwheel = hand + wheel (transparent) = hand + wheel

A clear compound of 'hand' + 'wheel' meaning a wheel operated by hand, which is directly inferable.

Etymology

The word handwheel is a simple combination of hand and wheel, so it literally means 'a wheel for the hand'. So, think of a round handle you grip and turn to operate or adjust a machine — that is exactly what a handwheel does.