steering column

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   the metal tube in a vehicle that holds the steering wheel and connects it to the wheels.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a steering column' or 'the steering column'; the plural is 'steering columns'.

   Patterns

   • a steering column
   • the steering column of a car
   • adjust the steering column

   The mechanic said the steering column needed to be replaced.

   She adjusted the steering column so the wheel sat lower.

   In older cars, the steering column often had the gear lever attached to it.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   the part of a boat's steering system that connects the wheel or tiller to the rudder.

   Grammar: Also countable; used mainly in boating and sailing contexts.

   Patterns

   • the steering column on a boat

   The steering column on the yacht was made of polished brass.

   He checked the steering column for rust before setting out.

Word forms

Common combinations

adjust the steering column

You can adjust the steering column to make driving more comfortable.

replace the steering column

It cost a lot to replace the steering column after the crash.

steering column lock

The steering column lock stops the wheel from turning when the key is out.

tilt steering column

A tilt steering column lets you move the wheel up or down.

Synonyms and how they differ

steering wheel

This is the round part you hold and turn; the steering column is the shaft that supports it.

column

A short, informal way to refer to the steering column when the context is already about cars.

Word family

steer verb

to control the direction of a vehicle.

steering noun

the system or action of controlling a vehicle's direction.

Commonly confused: steering column or steering wheel?

Practice

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