gearwheels

noun
UK /ˈɡɪəwiːlz/
US /ˈɡɪrwiːlz/

Gearwheels are wheels with teeth that fit together to help machines move.

The gearwheels inside the clock turn slowly to keep the right time.

SYNONYMS

cogscogwheelsgearssprocketstoothed wheels

RELATED WORDS

machineryengineclockworktransmissionaxle

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The toothed parts of a bicycle's drive system that move the chain.

He cleaned the gearwheels on his bike before the long ride.

3. A metaphor for the small parts that keep a system or organization running.

Volunteers are the gearwheels that keep the charity going.

4. Toothed wheels used in industrial machines to change speed or direction.

The factory's gearwheels needed oiling every week.