Full definition
A technical term for bearing used predominantly in Spain, Colombia, and Chile, covering both rolling-element bearings (cojinete de rodamiento/bolas/rodillos) and plain/journal bearings (cojinete de deslizamiento/friccion). In Spain: "cojinete" is the standard engineering term for any bearing type. In Colombia and Chile: "cojinete" is used alongside "rodamiento" (for rolling-element bearings specifically). Important distinction: in some LATAM countries, "cojinete" specifically means a plain/sleeve/journal bearing (the older bearing technology using a sliding contact surface), while "rodamiento" means a rolling-element bearing (modern ball or roller type). This distinction matters technically: a "cojinete de bronce" is a bronze bush/sleeve bearing, while a "rodamiento de bolas" is a ball bearing — fundamentally different products. In Mexico: "cojinete" is less common; "balero" (colloquial) and "rodamiento" (technical) are preferred. For technical documentation: use "rodamiento" for rolling-element bearings and "cojinete de deslizamiento" or "buje" for plain bearings to avoid ambiguity across all LATAM markets.