How Do You Spell WORM WHEEL?

1. A worm wheel is a mechanical component that is widely used in power transmission systems to convert rotary motion into linear motion or to transmit torque between two shafts that are non-parallel. It is a type of gear that consists of a cylindrical wheel with helical teeth, known as the worm wheel, and a screw-like gear called the worm.

   The worm wheel typically has a large diameter compared to the worm, and its teeth are helically cut around its circumference. These helical teeth are designed to mesh with the threads of the worm. The worm, on the other hand, has a long, square or trapezoidal-shaped thread that spirals around its cylindrical body.

   When the worm is rotated, the worm wheel engages with its threads, causing the worm wheel to rotate in the desired direction. Due to the nature of the helical engagement, the worm gear system provides a large gear reduction ratio, making it suitable for applications that require high torque output with a low output speed.

   Worm wheels are commonly used in various industries, such as automotive, machinery, and robotics, for applications including steering systems, elevators, conveyor belts, and material handling systems. They offer advantages such as high torque multiplication, quiet operation, and the ability to hold the load in position when not in use, thanks to their self-locking characteristic.

2. A wheel having teeth formed to fit into the spiral spaces of a screw, so that the wheel may be turned by the screw; to worm one's self into, to enter gradually by arts and insinuations; blind-or slow-worm, a sluggish snail-like lizard common in Europe, living in holes in rocks, under stones, and in suchlike places.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WORM WHEEL

The word "worm wheel" is a combination of two separate words with distinct origins:

1. Worm: The term "worm" derives from the Old English word "wyrm", which refers to a creeping or crawling animal. In early Germanic languages, "wyrm" was used to describe various types of serpents, dragons, or mythical creatures. Over time, "wyrm" came to specifically refer to a small creeping or crawling animal, eventually signifying certain types of invertebrates such as worms.

2. Wheel: The word "wheel" has a much older lineage, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "kwel", meaning "to turn around". This ancient root gave rise to different variations in various Indo-European languages, including "heel" in Old Norse, "chakra" in Sanskrit, and "rota" in Latin.