gear tooth crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "gear tooth" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions across all possible word lengths, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle and deepen your understanding of mechanical terms. Let's find your answer!
Solutions for "gear tooth crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COG: A single projection on the edge of a gear, designed to mesh with another gear.
4 Letters
RACK: A straight bar with teeth that mesh with a round gear (pinion) to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
SPUR: Refers to the most common type of gear where the teeth are parallel to the axis of rotation, often used in simple gear trains.
6 Letters
PINION: The smaller gear in a gearset, which typically has fewer teeth and meshes with a larger gear.
More About "gear tooth crossword clue"
The term "gear tooth" refers to the individual projections on a gear's circumference that engage with similar projections on another gear or a rack to transmit motion. These seemingly simple components are fundamental to nearly every mechanical system, from bicycles to complex industrial machinery, allowing for changes in speed, torque, and direction of rotation.
Different types of gear teeth are designed for specific purposes. For instance, 'spur' gears have straight teeth parallel to their axis, making them simple and common. 'Helical' gears, on the other hand, have teeth cut at an angle to the axis, providing smoother and quieter operation, especially at high speeds. Understanding these nuances can not only help with crossword puzzles but also provide insight into the engineering marvels around us.
Crossword clues involving mechanical parts like "gear tooth" often test your knowledge of synonyms and specific terminology. Common answers like COG or PINION are frequently used because they are precise terms for parts of a gear system, fitting perfectly into the constraints of a crossword grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For mechanical terms, think about all related words. "Gear tooth" might also be a "cog" or a part of a "pinion." Broaden your vocabulary for engineering terms.
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference the number of letters in the clue's answer box with your potential solutions. This is the most crucial filter in crossword solving.
- Look at surrounding clues: Sometimes, an intersecting word will give you a letter or two, making the answer for "gear tooth" much clearer. Don't solve in isolation!
- Think about context: Is the puzzle themed around mechanics, or is it a general knowledge puzzle? The context can sometimes hint at the level of specificity required for the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of a gear tooth?
The primary function of a gear tooth is to transmit motion and power between two or more gears by meshing with the teeth of another gear, ensuring precise and controlled rotation or linear movement.
Are all gear teeth shaped the same?
No, gear teeth come in various shapes and configurations, such as involute, cycloidal, and helical, each designed for specific applications, efficiency, noise reduction, and load-bearing capabilities.
Why is 'cog' a common crossword answer for 'gear tooth'?
'Cog' is often used as a crossword answer because it's a short, concise term specifically referring to a single tooth on a gear, making it a perfect fit for many puzzle grids. It's a widely recognized synonym in mechanical contexts.