transmission
trans-MISH-un
/trænzˈmɪʃən/
The mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to the axle in a motor vehicle.
In the US, 'transmission' is the standard term; in the UK, it is often called the 'gearbox.'
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'transmittere,' meaning 'to send across.' It originally referred to sending people or things across a distance. In the 1890s, it was applied to the mechanical system that 'sends' power from the engine across to the wheels.
Word relationships
- gearbox: Gearbox is more common in British English and specifically refers to the gears themselves.
Commonly confused with
- transference: Transference is a general movement of something; transmission is a mechanical or signal-based process.
Word family
- transmit (verb): To pass on from one place or person to another.
- transmissive (adjective): Capable of transmitting.
Collocations
- automatic transmission
- manual transmission
- transmission fluid
Example sentences
- "The transmission of power from the engine to the wheels is the most critical part of the design." A technical manual description.
- "If the transmission fluid is low, the car may struggle to shift gears smoothly." Discussing car maintenance.
Memory hook
The transmission 'transfers' the 'mission' of the engine to the wheels. Transmission = Power Transit.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with the act of transmitting a signal (like a radio transmission) unless the context is clear.
Fun facts
- The first automatic transmission was invented by a steamship engineer in 1921.
- Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) don't actually have traditional gears.
Related words
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