pinion
|pin-ion|
B2
/ˈpɪnjən/
wing or gear
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pinion' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'pignon,' where 'pignon' meant 'wing' or 'feather.'
Historical Evolution
'pignon' transformed into the Middle English word 'pynoun,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pinion.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'wing or feather,' but over time it evolved to include the mechanical sense of 'gear.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack.
The pinion gear was crucial in the clock's mechanism.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers.
The eagle's pinions spread wide as it soared.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39