cremallera y piñón
/kɾemaʝeɾa i piɲon/from spelling rules
The English phrase rack and pinion is translated into Spanish as cremallera y piñón.
This term refers to a mechanical system that converts rotational motion into linear motion. In the specific context of automotive mechanics, you may also hear the phrase cremallera de dirección to refer to the steering rack.
Meaning: mechanism converting rotational motion into linear (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cremallera can mean a zipper in many contexts, but in mechanical engineering, it refers to a rack. The word piñón can mean a pinion gear, though it also refers to a pine nut in culinary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term sistema de dirección de cremallera is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾemaʝeɾa i piɲon/
Did you know?
- The word piñón shares an etymological root with the Latin word pinna, which means 'feather'.
- While the English 'pinion' refers to a specific gear, the Spanish piñón is far more polysemous, functioning as a gear, a pine nut, and even a term derived from 'feather'.
Examples in context
- Mi automóvil tiene dirección de cremallera.My car has rack and pinion steering.
- El sistema usa una cremallera y piñón.The system uses a rack and pinion.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a car repair in a garage.
- ElenaJavier, ¿está dañada la cremallera y piñón?Javier, is the rack and pinion damaged?
- JavierSí, Elena, tiene mucho juego y hace ruido.Yes, Elena, it has too much play and makes noise.
- ElenaEntonces debemos cambiar la cremallera y piñón completa.Then we must replace the entire rack and pinion.
- JavierEstoy de acuerdo, pediré la pieza ahora mismo.I agree, I will order the part right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cremallera, piñón, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
