noun
- a slot or groove cut into a shaft or hub to receive a key that prevents relative rotation between parts
Usage: mechanical engineering
Examples
- The keyway in the pulley must align perfectly with the shaft’s keyway.
- A worn keyway can cause the gear to slip on the shaft.
- The machinist carefully cut the keyway using a broaching tool.
- Check that the key fits snugly in both keyways before assembly.
- The keyway prevents the wheel from spinning freely on the axle.
- Corrosion had damaged the keyway, requiring shaft replacement.