Word of the Day archive

Every word we have featured on this site, most recent first, going back 284 days.

• 6 November 2026skipA transportation container in a mine, usually for ore or mullock.
• 5 November 2026cross-courseA vein or lode that crosses the main lode, sometimes accompanied by a change of course in the main lode.
• 4 November 2026putterOne who pushes the small wagons in a coal mine, to transport the coal mined by the getter.
• 3 November 2026tailingsThe waste that remains after the minerals have been extracted from an ore by ore dressing; the waste from...
• 2 November 2026skivingA type of machining that skives metal, with various applications including gear cutting.
• 1 November 2026shock absorberA mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp any sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy...
• 31 October 2026pushrodA rigid reciprocating rod that, by its movement, transmits force to actuate a mechanism.
• 30 October 2026runoutDeviation of the axis of rotation of a rotating object (especially a milling cutter or workpiece) relative to...
• 29 October 2026backlashThe looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be...
• 28 October 2026journalthe part of a rotating shaft or axle that rests on the bearing
• 27 October 2026trunnionA similar rotational bearing used in automotive suspensions.
• 26 October 2026keywayThe recessed part of a keyed joint, in which the key resides.
• 25 October 2026mesh analysisA method of solving for the currents in an electric circuit, in which a system of equations is written for...
• 24 October 2026gimmick capacitorA capacitor consisting of two insulated wires twined together.
• 23 October 2026three-way switchA type of light switch that can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations, as at either end...
• 22 October 2026peak shavingThe management by a utility of its demand for electricity over time, to reduce spikes in usage.
• 21 October 2026arc faultAn undesired and uncontrolled electric arc from one conductor through the air (or other gas) to a conductor...
• 20 October 2026make-before-breakOf a switch or other electronic device, that creates a new electrical connection before an older one is...
• 19 October 2026branch lineA secondary railroad route or one subsidiary to a railroad's mainlines.
• 18 October 2026RollbockA bogie used to carry a railway carriage on a line of different gauge to the one it was built for, usually a...
• 17 October 2026collector shoeA current collector on an electric train or locomotive which is in contact with the live rail.
• 16 October 2026grab ironA metal bar attached to the side of locomotives and railroad cars for use as a handhold.
• 15 October 2026hot topIn casting, a live open riser with a hot ceramic liner, designed to counteract the formation of harmful...
• 14 October 2026kick wheelA wheel or disc used to throw pots, turned by kicking or pushing a heavy stone or concrete base with the foot.
• 13 October 2026nostepinneA tool used to wind yarn into a ball for use in knitting, crocheting, or weaving.
• 12 October 2026lazy KateIn spinning, a device used to hold one or more spools or bobbins in place while the yarn on them is...
• 11 October 2026accumulatorA container which stores hydraulic power for release, in the form of a pressurized fluid (often suspended...
• 10 October 2026angel gearThe neutral gear when used while a vehicle is moving, especially when it is used to freewheel so as to save...
• 9 October 2026swage blockA perforated iron block with grooved sides and variously-sized holes in its face, used to hold in hot metal...
• 8 October 2026takt timeOn a production line, the average production time per unit that is necessary to meet customer demand.