Main Entry:: pul·ley
Pronunciation:: \ˈpu̇-lē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural pulleys
Etymology:: Middle English poley, pully, from Anglo-French pulie, probably ultimately from Greek polos axis, pole — more at pole
Date:: 14th century

1 : a sheave or small wheel with a grooved rim and with or without the block in which it runs used singly with a rope or chain to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force and in various combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights 2 : a pulley or pulleys with ropes to form a tackle that constitutes one of the simple machines 3 : a wheel used to transmit power by means of a band, belt, cord, rope, or chain passing over its rim

[pulley illustration]

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