mechanical advantage

noun

: the advantage gained by the use of a mechanism in transmitting force
specifically : the ratio of the force that performs the useful work of a machine to the force that is applied to the machine

Examples of mechanical advantage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Zero Noise system connecting shaft lines to thrust bearings rather than the gear box has mechanical advantages but also minimizes noise and vibration. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The galago is able to manage this thanks to a rather clever bit of leg design which uses variable mechanical advantage, leveraging the shape of their leg to amplify the force that their muscles can deliver. IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2017 Wrenches, pliers, hammers, shovels, and jacks all helped build our world by harnessing the mechanical advantage of leverage. Popular Mechanics, 26 Jan. 2023 The mechanical advantage in a hi-lift is a simple lever. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022 Because hydraulic jacks employ two forms of mechanical advantage, their levers can be short. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 24 Aug. 2022 Using a rope to rig up a mechanical advantage was good thinking. Joe Spring, Outside Online, 18 June 2013 Because of that mechanical advantage over the standard deadlift, the sumo deadlift holds a controversial reputation within the strength sports community. Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2022 Jim, with a few risky maneuvers and using mechanical advantage to its fullest, reassembled the logs with our help on our foundation. Star Tribune, 25 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanical advantage was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near mechanical advantage

Cite this Entry

“Mechanical advantage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical%20advantage. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mechanical advantage

noun
: the ratio of the force that performs the useful work of a machine to the force that is applied to the machine

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanical advantage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!