pinion

[/ˈpɪn.jən/]
noun/verbpl: pinions
pinhão
1. A small gear that engages with a larger gear or rack in mechanical systems
The pinion gear meshed smoothly with the rack.
O pinhão engrenava suavemente com a cremalheira.
2. The outer part of a bird's wing, including the flight feathers
The bird's pinion was damaged, preventing it from flying.
O pinhão da asa do pássaro estava danificado, impedindo-o de voar.
3. To restrain or bind someone's arms, especially to prevent escape
The guards pinioned the prisoner's arms behind his back.
Os guardas prenderam os braços do prisioneiro nas costas.
4. To confine or restrict movement
She felt pinioned by her responsibilities.
Ela se sentia restrita por suas responsabilidades.
In English, 'pinion' is primarily used in mechanical engineering contexts in both American and Brazilian Portuguese-speaking communities. The ornithological usage is more technical and less common in everyday speech. In Portuguese, 'pinhão' is the standard term for the small gear in mechanical systems and is widely understood in industrial and automotive sectors.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
gearsprocketwingrestrainbindshackle
Antonyms / Antônimos
freereleaseliberate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pinhão
Most common in mechanical contexts; also used for bird wings in technical ornithology
Portugal
pinhão
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; mechanical and ornithological contexts
General English (Mechanical)
engrenagem pequena
More descriptive alternative in Portuguese
General English (Ornithological)
asa (flight feathers)
More commonly used in Portuguese to refer to bird wings generally

Related Words

gearcograckmechanismwingfeatherrestraint

Related Idioms & Phrases

pinion someone's arms
pinioned movement
gear and pinion system
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