Pulley
/ˈpʊli/noun
A wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, which acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord and is used to lift heavy objects.
The construction workers used a pulley to lift the heavy steel beams.
Often appears as...
- pulley system
- block and pulley
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Mechanical Advantage
A pulley can make lifting easier by providing leverage, which reduces the force needed.
With the right pulley setup, even a child can lift a heavy object.
Pro Tip 2/3Physics Context
Pulleys are a common topic in physics, often used to demonstrate principles of mechanics.
In our physics class, we calculated the force needed using a pulley.
Pro Tip 3/3Compound Systems
Pulleys can be combined in complex systems to move large objects, like in cranes.
The crane's compound pulley system lifted the container effortlessly.
Compare with
blockdrumgearhoistreelrollertacklewheelwinch
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