Word of the Day archive
Every word we have featured on this site, most recent first, going back 284 days.
- 7 September 2026skivingA type of machining that skives metal, with various applications including gear cutting.
- 6 September 2026shock absorberA mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp any sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy...
- 5 September 2026pushrodA rigid reciprocating rod that, by its movement, transmits force to actuate a mechanism.
- 4 September 2026runoutDeviation of the axis of rotation of a rotating object (especially a milling cutter or workpiece) relative to...
- 3 September 2026backlashThe looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be...
- 2 September 2026journalthe part of a rotating shaft or axle that rests on the bearing
- 1 September 2026trunnionA similar rotational bearing used in automotive suspensions.
- 31 August 2026keywayThe recessed part of a keyed joint, in which the key resides.
- 30 August 2026mesh analysisA method of solving for the currents in an electric circuit, in which a system of equations is written for...
- 29 August 2026gimmick capacitorA capacitor consisting of two insulated wires twined together.
- 28 August 2026three-way switchA type of light switch that can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations, as at either end...
- 27 August 2026peak shavingThe management by a utility of its demand for electricity over time, to reduce spikes in usage.
- 26 August 2026arc faultAn undesired and uncontrolled electric arc from one conductor through the air (or other gas) to a conductor...
- 25 August 2026make-before-breakOf a switch or other electronic device, that creates a new electrical connection before an older one is...
- 24 August 2026branch lineA secondary railroad route or one subsidiary to a railroad's mainlines.
- 23 August 2026RollbockA bogie used to carry a railway carriage on a line of different gauge to the one it was built for, usually a...
- 22 August 2026collector shoeA current collector on an electric train or locomotive which is in contact with the live rail.
- 21 August 2026grab ironA metal bar attached to the side of locomotives and railroad cars for use as a handhold.
- 20 August 2026hot topIn casting, a live open riser with a hot ceramic liner, designed to counteract the formation of harmful...
- 19 August 2026kick wheelA wheel or disc used to throw pots, turned by kicking or pushing a heavy stone or concrete base with the foot.
- 18 August 2026nostepinneA tool used to wind yarn into a ball for use in knitting, crocheting, or weaving.
- 17 August 2026lazy KateIn spinning, a device used to hold one or more spools or bobbins in place while the yarn on them is...
- 16 August 2026accumulatorA container which stores hydraulic power for release, in the form of a pressurized fluid (often suspended...
- 15 August 2026angel gearThe neutral gear when used while a vehicle is moving, especially when it is used to freewheel so as to save...
- 14 August 2026swage blockA perforated iron block with grooved sides and variously-sized holes in its face, used to hold in hot metal...
- 13 August 2026takt timeOn a production line, the average production time per unit that is necessary to meet customer demand.
- 12 August 2026bubble cara single-car multiple unit
- 11 August 2026jacked upDescribes a 4x4 automobile that has a "lift kit", raising the body and/or frame higher than stock.
- 10 August 2026bakeheadA fireman (person who keeps the fire going underneath a steam boiler on a railroad locomotive).
- 9 August 2026weldlessMade or done without welding.