pulley
UK: ˈpʊli | US: ˈpʊli
n. a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, used to change the direction of a force applied to the cord or to lift heavy objects.
The word "pulley" originates from Middle English poley, derived from Old French polie, which itself traces back to Medieval Latin polidia (a variant of polea). The root pull reflects the tool's function of "pulling" or redirecting force, while the suffix -ey (or -ie) is a diminutive or tool-forming suffix common in Old French. The evolution highlights the device's mechanical purpose—transforming effort into directional movement.
The workers used a pulley to hoist the heavy crate onto the ship.
A simple pulley system can reduce the effort needed to lift objects.
The mechanic installed a new pulley to fix the engine's belt drive.
Ancient civilizations employed pulleys in constructing monumental structures.
She threaded the rope through the pulley and secured it tightly.