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needle bearing

needle bearing

6.2
A small part with thin metal rollers that helps a shaft turn smoothly
  • noun
  • /ˈnidəl ˈbɛrɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cojinete de agujas
  • Martin carries a complete line of Idler Sprockets including ball bearing, needle bearing, bronze bushed, bronze beating, and non-metallic.

Examples

  • In high-performance applications, needle bearings are preferred for their ability to handle heavy loads in a compact design.

  • The bicycle wheel operates efficiently thanks to several needle bearings that reduce friction.

  • The engineer explained how needle bearings contribute to the smooth operation of precision machinery.

Synonyms

bearing
vsneedle bearing
  • Specialized
20 6.4

A small part that helps a wheel or machine part turn smoothly

is a specific form using long thin cylindrical parts for tight spaces
roller bearing
vsneedle bearing
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A machine part with small round pieces that roll to let other parts move smoothly

uses long thin cylindrical parts designed for tight spaces

Surface Forms

Morphology

needle + bearing

The compound directly names a type of bearing characterized by needle-like rollers: 'needle' (thin, elongated object) plus 'bearing' (a rotating/mechanical part). Although it's a technical term, the sense is transparently compositional and a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a bearing that uses needle-shaped elements.

Etymology

The compound noun needle bearing gets its name from the long, thin metal rollers inside that look like small needles, and from bearing, a part that supports weight as it turns. That's why needle bearing means 'a small bearing with thin rollers used to help parts turn smoothly in a tight space'.