Dictionary
1ratchet
noun ratch·et \ˈra-chət\
: a device made up of a wheel or bar with many teeth along its edge in between which a piece fits so that the wheel or bar can move only in one direction
Full Definition of RATCHET
1
: a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2
: a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel
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Variants of RATCHET
ratch·et also rach·et \ˈra-chət\
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Origin of RATCHET
alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff — more at rock
First Known Use: 1654
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
2ratchet
verb
: to increase or decrease (something) especially by a series of small steps or amounts
Full Definition of RATCHET
transitive verb
: to cause to move by steps or degrees —usually used with up or down <tried to ratchet down the debt>
intransitive verb
: to proceed by steps or degrees
See ratchet defined for English-language learners
Variants of RATCHET
ratchet also rachet
First Known Use of RATCHET
1972
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