big end

English

Noun

big end (plural big ends)

1. In a piston engine, the larger end (crankshaft end) of the connecting rod that connects a piston to the crankshaft.

   Antonym: small end

   From the sound of that motor, I'd say yer big end's gone, mate.

   • 1951 July, “British Standard Locomotives”, in Railway Magazine, page 441:

     Except in the case of the largest 4-6-2, not yet in contemplation, use of two [outside] cylinders only was decided on for the following reasons:— […] 2. The split inside big end is a source of trouble at high speeds and powers unless exceptional integrity of maintenance can be guaranteed.

   • 1958 April, “British Railways First Main-Line Diesel-Hydraulic Locomotive”, in Railway Magazine, page 265:

     Oil is carried from the big end to the small end by a centrally drilled oil hole.

Anagrams

• binged, Binged