gearhead

plural gearheads

1. A mechanical device used to increase the torque of gears.

   HLD has developed a linear belt actuator that circulates the belt in an unusual way, resulting in a gearing reduction of up to 40:1 without a gearhead.

   2007 December 17, “Animatics buys UK’s Harmonic Linear Drive”, in Drives & Controls, UK

plural gearheads

1. informalAn enthusiast for new technology, or for motoring.

   2000, "Ford Harley-Davidson Truck Rumbles Onto Web to Benefit Charities," PickupTruck.com (US), retrieved 23 Dec/07, A self-proclaimed gearhead, Leno loves fast Fords and hot Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

   Synonyms: petrolhead

plural Gearheads

1. A fan of the Gears of War media franchise centered on a series of video games.

   WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT: ❌︎ Will diehard Gearheads like this much change?

   2013 April, “Gears of War: Judgment”, in @Gamer, number 28, page 67

   5 more examples

   It’s good to be free: Epic Games’ Gears of War is about to go weapons-free. The Xbox 360 smash has churned out sales of 2 million in just six weeks and soon enough, Gearheads will find free downloadable content on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

   2006 December 23, Tyler Todd, “Has Metal Gear gone semi-solid on PS3 for 2007?”, in The Gazette, Montreal, Que., page H4, column 3

   For all you Gear-heads out there, Microsoft is going to release four new maps for “Gears of War” on the Xbox Live marketplace today.

   2007 May 3, Rich Janzaruk, “Gaming Guru”, in Times-Mail, volume 123, number 213, Bedford, Ind., page C2, column 2

   Epic’s got a reward planned for loyal Gearheads with the free “Flashback” map pack.

   2008 November, “Brutal Legend: Gears of War 2”, in GamePro, number 242, GamePro Media, page 74

   Here are seven things Gearheads can look forward to in the Gears of War 3 beta.

   2011 April 20, Steve Tilley, “Get Ready To Gear Up For Gears”, in The London Free Press, London, Ont., page C3

   Compared to the last Gears, however, it may be a bit of a letdown. True Gearheads are going to want to play it because it’s still such an engaging world.

   2013 April 1, Paul Chapman, “Gears title turns back clock”, in The Province, Vancouver, B.C.: Postmedia Network Inc., page B4, column 4