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Word of the Day 11 April 2026

reduction drive

A device which reduces the input rotational speed to a lower output speed, and can also increase torque.

Why this one

The trade is the whole point: speed goes down, torque goes up, minus friction losses. Motors are cheap and efficient at high rpm, but almost nothing a machine actually does wants those rpm at the shaft.

In use

Motor's fine, it's the reduction drive that's howling, so pull the cover and check the oil before we order anything.

Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.

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