sprocket

/ˈsprɒkɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsprɑːkɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsprä-kət/ (ame, mw)

sprocket — noun

  • sprocketsingular
  • sprocketsplural

1. A circular metal wheel with pointed parts around its edge that fit into a chain

1.名詞B2
釋義

A circular metal wheel with pointed parts around its edge that fit into a chain or the perforated edge of film, causing it to move.

例句

The mechanic inspected the bicycle's rear sprocket and noticed that two teeth had broken off after years of use.

noun phrase: rear sprocket

Diego replaced the worn sprocket on his mountain bike with a new one that had sharper teeth for better grip.

同義詞
  • chainwheel

    Less common term; usually refers specifically to a bicycle sprocket attached to the pedals

  • cogwheel

    More general term for any toothed wheel, but often implies gear-to-gear contact rather than chain contact

用法筆記

A sprocket is always paired with either a chain (on a bicycle or machine) or perforated material (on a film projector).

常見錯誤

❌The sprocket on my bike is rusty.
✅The sprocket on my bike is rusty.
💡this is correct usage; however, do not confuse 'sprocket' with 'gear': a gear meshes with another gear, while a sprocket meshes with a chain or film.
❌I need a new chain for my sprocket.
✅The chain on my sprocket is worn out.
💡make sure the context makes clear the sprocket is the wheel, not the chain.

2. One of the pointed projections that stick out from the edge of a sprocket wheel

2.名詞C1
釋義

One of the pointed projections that stick out from the edge of a sprocket wheel and fit into the chain links or film holes to move it.

例句

One of the sprockets on the gear wheel had snapped off, leaving a gap where the chain could slip through.

quantity: one of the sprockets

Nadia checked every sprocket around the wheel rim and found three that were bent inward at an odd angle.

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (TOOTHED WHEEL): this sense refers to one tooth on the wheel, not the wheel itself. A sentence like 'a sprocket broke off' uses this sense; 'the sprocket turned' uses sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌The sprocket is rusty from the rain.
✅The sprocket wheel is rusty from the rain.
💡when referring to the whole wheel, use 'sprocket wheel' to avoid ambiguity with the tooth sense.