peritrochium

English

Etymology

From New Latin peritrochium, from Koine Greek περιτρόχιον (peritrókhion), from Ancient Greek περίτροχος (perítrokhos, “circular”).

Noun

peritrochium (plural peritrochia)

1. (mechanics) The wheel which, together with the axle, forms the axis in peritrochio. [18th–19th c.]
   • 1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC:

     [T]he engineer proceeded to the illustration of his mechanicks, tilting up his hand like a balance, thrusting it forward by way of lever, embracing the naturalist's nose like a wedge betwixt two of his fingers, and turning it round, with the momentum of a screw or peritrochium.