First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
capstan
noun cap·stan \ˈkap-stən, -ˌstan\
: a machine that turns so that rope or a cable can wind around it and move or lift heavy weights (such as a ship's anchor)
Full Definition of CAPSTAN
1
: a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned
2
: a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder
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Origin of CAPSTAN
Middle English, probably from Middle French cabestant
Rhymes with CAPSTAN
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CAPSTAN Defined for Kids
capstan
noun cap·stan \ˈkap-stən\
Definition of CAPSTAN for Kids
: a device that consists of a drum to which a rope is fastened and that is used especially on ships for raising the anchor
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