Skip to main content
drivetrain

drivetrain

4 5.5
A set of parts in a vehicle that sends power from the engine or motor to the wheels
  • noun
  • /ˈdraɪvˌtreɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de transmisión
  • The new electric car features an advanced drivetrain that efficiently transmits power to the wheels.
  • an electric drivetrain
  • drivetrain and generator

But probably the most impressive configurable item in this car is the drivetrain.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The 911 Speedster shares its engine, drivetrain, and most mechanical components with the Carrera 2.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Well, we are analysing battery technology, but more important drivetrain technology, which includes batteries.

  • The second major choice related to the type of drivetrain to install.

    Academic text (2012)
  • I feel like I'm going to try and pull the drivetrain and transmission system out of here.

  • Then you may buy a smaller Voltec drivetrain that will fit your motorcycle.

    Blog text (21)
  • The drivetrain and generator are located under the rotor near the ground for easy maintenance and inspection.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In the belt-and-pulley system, its optimized engine operation increases drivetrain efficiency.

    Academic text (1994)
  • It's good that Honda is still working on the CR-Z with modifications to the hybrid drivetrain.

    Blog text (30)
  • The new turbine features an integrated drivetrain, aileron controls, and an innovative rotor that is fabricated as a single unit.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The new drivetrain design weighs less than conventional drivetrains and eliminates maintenance-prone couplings between the gearbox and the generator.

    Academic text (1994)

Synonyms

powertrain
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
4 4.9

The parts of a vehicle that make power and send it to the wheels, like the engine and transmission

focuses only on the transmission parts, not the power source
transmission system
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A set of parts in a vehicle that send power from the engine to the wheels

includes that mechanism but also the connecting parts to working elements
driveline
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
1 6.4

The parts that send the engine's power to the wheels

is a synonymous technical term for the same vehicle system
power train
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
1 5.1

Connected gears and parts that send power from a vehicle's engine or motor to its wheels

refers more widely to the whole system linking engine to motion
drive line system
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
6.0

A vehicle system that sends engine power to the driving wheels

applies to machines broadly, not only vehicle driving wheels
drive line
vsdrivetrain
  • Specialized
7.1

Parts that send power from the engine to the wheels that move the car

is broader, covering machines and nonwheel working parts as well

Compounds

fixed-gear drivetrain
  • Specialized
7.0

A system that connects the pedals to the rear wheel so you must keep pedalling while the bike moves

How Complex

powertrain
  • Specialized
4 4.9
drivetrain
  • Specialized
4 5.5
drive line
  • Specialized
7.1
transmission shaft
  • Specialized
1 5.2
axle
  • Specialized
33 3.5

Surface Forms

drivetrain singular
drivetrains plural

Morphology

drivetrain = drive + train (transparent) = drive + train

A straightforward compound of 'drive' + 'train' meaning the system that transmits driving power, which learners who know both components can infer.

Etymology

Drivetrain comes from two simple parts: drive, meaning 'to give power', and train, meaning 'a line of connected parts'. So a drivetrain is the parts that carry power from the engine or motor to the wheels.