Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

countershaft

noun coun·ter·shaft

Definition of countershaft

1 : a mechanism used to transmit motion and power from a main driving shaft to an individual machine, typically mounted by hangers on a ceiling, and driven by one belt from the main shaft and in turn driving the machine by another belt
2 : a short shaft in a machine (as an automobile) carrying intermediate gears to transmit motion usually with change of speed or direction or both from one set of gears to another
—

countershafting

noun

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of countershaft

counter- + shaft

Learn More about countershaft

  1. See words that rhyme with countershaft

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up countershaft? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games