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cog

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The definition of a cog is any of the teeth on a wheel or gear that fits into an opposite notch to cause motion of the wheel, or a person who is important but not critical in the structure of an organization.

(noun)

An example of a cog is the points on a bike gear that fit into the bike chain in order to move the bike forward.

See cog in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. any of a series of teeth on the rim of a wheel, for transmitting or receiving motion by fitting between the teeth of another wheel; gear tooth
2. a cogwheel
☆ a person or thing regarded as a minor but necessary part of the structure of an activity or organization

Origin: ME cog, cogge < ? Scand, as in Norw kug, Swed kugge, a cog, tooth < IE *gugā a hump, ball < base *gēu-, to bend, arch > OE cycgel, cudgel

Related Forms:

cogged adjective

noun

a projection on a beam that fits into a corresponding groove or notch in another beam, making a joint

Origin: altered (infl. by cog) < earlier cock, to secure, prob. ult. < It cocca, a notch

transitive verb, intransitive verb cogged, cogging

to join by a cog or cogs

transitive verb cogged, cogging

to manipulate (dice) in a fraudulent manner

Origin: prob. slang extension of cog

intransitive verb

Obsolete to cheat; swindle

noun

Obsolete a deception; trick

or cogn

cognate

See cog in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

One of a series of teeth, as on the rim of a wheel or gear, whose engagement transmits successive motive force to a corresponding wheel or gear.
A cogwheel.
A subordinate member of an organization who performs necessary but usually minor or routine functions.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English cogge

Origin: , probably of Scandinavian origin

Origin: ; akin to Swedish kugg, kugge

Related Forms: