ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+ˌ- noun
Etymology: counter- + shaft
1. : a mechanism used to transmit motion and power from a main driving shaft to an individual machine, typically mounted by hangers on a ceiling, and driven by one belt from the main shaft and in turn driving the machine by another belt
2. : a short shaft in a machine (as an automobile) carrying intermediate gears to transmit motion usually with change of speed or direction or both from one set of gears to another
• coun·ter·shaft·ing noun