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countershaft

noun
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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

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Other Words from countershaft

countershafting noun

History and Etymology for countershaft

counter- + shaft

Learn More About countershaft

Dictionary Entries Near countershaft

countershading

countershaft

countershot

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Statistics for countershaft

Cite this Entry

“Countershaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countershaft. Accessed 5 Jul. 2022.

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