jackshaft

noun, verb — 3 senses

jackshaft

noun

Etymology From jack + shaft.

1

A common mechanical component used to transfer or synchronize rotational force in a machine.

2

A wheelless axle used to turn the wheels of a locomotive.

  • Final drive is by reduction gears on the jackshaft, and through flycranks and rods to the wheels.1950 October, “S.R. Diesel-Mechanical Shunter”, in Railway Magazine, page 692:

jackshaft

verb

Etymology From jack + shaft.

1

To transfer or synchronize rotational force by means of a jackshaft.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.