gear etymology

Etymology

The word "gear" is derived from the Middle English word "gere," which ultimately comes from the Old English word "gearwe," meaning "equipment, clothing, or harness."

Meaning

  • Equipment: A set of tools, machinery, or other items used for a particular task or activity.
  • Mechanism: A system of interlocking parts that transmits motion or force.
  • Clothing or Accessories: Items worn or used for adornment or protection.
  • Ratio: The ratio of the number of teeth on different gears in a mechanism, which determines the speed and torque output.
  • Speed: The rate at which a gear or mechanism rotates.
  • Direction: The direction in which a gear or mechanism rotates.

Origin

The word "gear" has been in use in English since the 13th century. Its earliest known use was in the context of armor and clothing, where it referred to equipment such as helmets, swords, and saddles.

Over time, the meaning of "gear" expanded to include any type of equipment or machinery used for a specific purpose. This included gears used in mechanical systems, tools used for crafting and construction, and clothing used for specific activities such as riding or sailing.

In the 20th century, the term "gear" became associated with the gears used in automobiles and other vehicles. The concept of gear ratio and its impact on speed and torque became increasingly important in the design and operation of motorized vehicles.

Today, the word "gear" continues to be used in a variety of contexts, from engineering and manufacturing to clothing and fashion.

gear relate terms

  • carouse

    Etymology Carouse comes from the Latin word comus which means revel It was first

  • gear

    Etymology The word gear is derived from the Middle English word gere which ultimatel

  • garb

    Etymology The word garb is derived from Old English gearwe which means clothing eq

  • gear

    Etymology The word gear is derived from the Middle English word gere which ultimatel

  • pitch

    Etymology and Origin The word pitch has multiple etymological origins Latin pix

  • paraphernalia

    Etymology of Paraphernalia The word paraphernalia is derived from Late Latin paraph

  • appurtenance

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word appertus meaning open or accessible Mea

  • heriot

    Etymology The word heriot is derived from the following Germanic roots Old English

  • accouter

    Etymology Origin Old French escouter Late Latin auscultare Proto Indo European

  • wheel

    Etymology Middle English whele from Old English hwēol Proto Germanic hwihwlą Prot

  • tackle

    Etymology of Tackle The word tackle has multiple origins Old English tacel mea

  • tooth

    Etymology The word tooth has an Indo European origin It is derived from the Proto Indo