Noun
/bˈɛv.əl ˈpɪn.jən/
A bevel pinion is a type of mechanical component, specifically a gear, that has teeth cut at an angle and is used to transmit rotary motion between shafts that are not parallel. This makes it especially useful in machinery where the direction of movement needs to be changed, as seen in various applications such as automotive and industrial equipment. The usage of "bevel pinion" is predominantly in technical and engineering contexts, thus it is more frequently found in written texts, such as manuals, specifications, and academic papers, rather than in everyday oral speech.
The term "bevel pinion" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, as it is specific to mechanical engineering and lacks broader figurative uses.
The term "bevel" originates from the Middle English word "bevel," which means an angle that is not a right angle, derived from Old French "bevel," ultimately from Latin "bilabium" meaning "having a slope." The word "pinion" comes from the Old French "pignon," which refers to a small wing or an extension of a shaft, indicating its role in machinery as a gear attached to another gear or a wheel.
Synonyms: - Bevel gear - Bevel wheel
Antonyms: - Spur gear (which have straight teeth and are used parallel to each other)
In summary, while "bevel pinion" is a technical term relevant in specific contexts, it does not typically feature in broader lexical idioms or phrases commonly used in everyday English.