rockshaft

/ˈrɑkˌʃæft/
noun
  1. A shaft or passage cut through rock, as in a mine or tunnel.
    • A rockshaft collapsed in the old mine, blocking access to the lower levels.
    • Miners descended into the dark rockshaft to reach the coal seam.
    • The engineers designed a new ventilation system for the rockshaft.
  2. A mechanical rod or bar that rocks or oscillates, used in machinery.
    • The rockshaft in the steam engine needed regular lubrication.
    • He replaced the worn rockshaft in the printing press to fix the jam.
    • The engine's rockshaft transfers motion from the cam to the valves.
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