going train: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “going train” mean?
The mechanism within a clock or watch that transmits power from the mainspring to the escapement, regulating the movement of the hands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mechanism within a clock or watch that transmits power from the mainspring to the escapement, regulating the movement of the hands.
In a broader mechanical context, any system of interconnected gears designed to transmit motion at a controlled, regular rate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is standard in horological terminology in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term with no additional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but standard within the specialized field of watchmaking/clockmaking in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “going train” in a Sentence
The [noun] has a robust going train.A fault was found in the going train of the [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, engineering, or horological papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used by watchmakers, clock restorers, and horologists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “going train”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “going train”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “going train”
- Using it to refer to a moving locomotive.
- Confusing it with 'striking train'.
- Thinking it's a common English phrase.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a technical term from horology (clock/watch making) referring to the gear mechanism that drives the hands.
It is highly unlikely you would need to, unless you are specifically discussing the inner workings of mechanical clocks or watches.
The 'striking train' or 'chiming train', which is the separate mechanism that controls the bell or chime.
Historically, yes. It comes from the sense of 'going' as 'moving' or 'functioning'. The train (series of gears) that makes the clock 'go'.
The mechanism within a clock or watch that transmits power from the mainspring to the escapement, regulating the movement of the hands.
Going train is usually technical/specialized in register.
Going train: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ.ɪŋ ˌtreɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ.ɪŋ ˌtreɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. It is itself a technical compound noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a train of gears that keeps time "going".
Conceptual Metaphor
A mechanical "road" or "conveyor belt" (train) along which the energy for movement (going) travels.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'going train'?