jack-screw

A mechanic uses a jack-screw to lift the side of a car.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device: A jack-screw is a type of lifting device that uses a threaded screw mechanism to raise or lower heavy loads, typically used in construction, automotive repair, or industrial settings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic used a jack-screw to lift the car's engine for replacement. (A threaded lifting device for heavy objects.)
  • In the workshop, the jack-screw was essential for adjusting the height of the workbench. (A mechanical tool for precise vertical movement.)

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a jack-screw": to manually or mechanically turn the screw to raise or lower a load.

  • He carefully operated the jack-screw to avoid damaging the fragile machinery. (He turned the screw mechanism slowly.)

• "jack-screw principle": the mechanical advantage gained by using a screw thread to convert rotational motion into linear motion.

  • The jack-screw principle is applied in many lifting devices, including car jacks. (The concept of using a screw for lifting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Jack (n): a device for lifting heavy objects, often using a lever or screw mechanism.
  • He used a car jack to change the tire. (A simple lifting tool.)
• Screw (n): a threaded fastener or mechanism.
  • The screw on the jack-screw must be lubricated regularly. (The threaded part of the device.)

Synonyms

• Lifting screw: a screw-based device for raising loads.
• Screw jack: another term for jack-screw, emphasizing the screw component.

Phrasal Verbs

• Jack up: to lift something using a jack.
  • They jacked up the house to replace the foundation. (They used a jack-screw to raise the structure.)

Related Idioms

• "Screw up": (informal) to make a mistake or cause damage (not directly related to jack-screw, but shares the word "screw").
  • Don't screw up the adjustment on the jack-screw. (Do not mishandle the device.)