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Glite Dictionary
PTO

PTO

2 8.0
A device on a tractor that sends the engine's power to another machine
  • noun
  • /ˌpiːtiːˈoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : TDP
  • To operate the hay baler efficiently, make sure the PTO is properly engaged with the tractor.

Examples

  • The PTO is self-funding through fees paid by those seeking patents and trademarks.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Over 5,200 inter partes review petitions have been filed at the PTO since the proceeding's inception in September 2012.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Typically, the operation of the PTO requires an interlock switch such as a parking brake switch.

    Blog text (6)

  • And there's a little pump wheel usually mounted to the front of the engine or a PTO on the transmission that makes this stuff operate.

  • Farmers use a PTO to connect their tractor to various implements like mowers or plows.

  • The PTO allows the tractor engine to provide power to a rotary tiller for better soil preparation.

Synonyms

power takeoff
vsPTO
  • Specialized
6.0

A part that sends power from an engine to other machines like a tractor attachment

is the shorter abbreviated form used for the same device

Surface Forms

PTO singular
PTOs plural

Morphology

PTO = P + T + O

PTO is an initialism whose component letters do not function as productive English morphemes, so learners cannot derive the meaning from the letters alone.

Etymology

PTO comes from the phrase power take-off, which literally means 'take power off' an engine and give it to another machine. Think of it like a plug on a tractor that sends the engine's power to tools, which is why a PTO runs other equipment.