timing gear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical
Quick answer
What does “timing gear” mean?
The component in an internal combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the camshaft with the crankshaft, controlling when the valves open and close.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The component in an internal combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the camshaft with the crankshaft, controlling when the valves open and close.
More generally, any gear or gearing system designed to control the precise sequence and timing of operations in a mechanical device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the component is named identically. Potential minor pronunciation differences.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally specialised and low-frequency in both dialects, used only in mechanical/automotive contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “timing gear” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a faulty timing gear.The mechanic replaced the timing gear.Inspect the timing gear for wear.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “timing gear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engine was reconditioned, and we'll be timing the gear installation tomorrow.
- He spent the afternoon timing the gear meshing perfectly.
American English
- We need to finish timing the gear before reassembling the engine.
- The manual details the process for timing the gear correctly.
adverb
British English
- []
American English
- []
adjective
British English
- The timing-gear cover was cracked and needed replacement.
- A timing-gear fault can cause catastrophic engine damage.
American English
- He ordered a timing-gear kit for the rebuild.
- Listen for any unusual timing-gear noise on startup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of procurement or discussing mechanical parts supply.
Academic
In engineering textbooks or papers on internal combustion engine design.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of discussing car repairs.
Technical
The primary context, in mechanical engineering, automotive repair manuals, and workshops.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “timing gear”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “timing gear”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “timing gear”
- Using 'timing gear' to refer to the act of scheduling or choosing the right moment (that's 'timing').
- Confusing 'timing gear' with 'timing belt' or 'timing chain' (these are different components).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A timing gear is a metal cogwheel, while a timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt. Both serve the same synchronising function but in different engine designs.
Almost never. It is a highly specialised technical term. Using it figuratively would be very rare and likely confusing.
In an 'interference' engine design, failure can cause the pistons to collide with the valves, resulting in severe, often catastrophic, engine damage.
Metal timing gears are generally very durable and often last the lifetime of the engine, unlike timing belts which have scheduled replacement intervals.
The component in an internal combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the camshaft with the crankshaft, controlling when the valves open and close.
Timing gear is usually technical in register.
Timing gear: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪ.mɪŋ ɡɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪ.mɪŋ ɡɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a conductor's baton keeping musicians in TIME. The TIMING GEAR keeps engine parts moving in perfect time.
Conceptual Metaphor
The conductor of the engine orchestra.
Practice
Quiz
In what primary context is the term 'timing gear' used?