ratchet
noun [ C ] uk/ˈrætʃ.ɪt/ us/ˈrætʃ.ɪt/
(DEVICE)
棘轮，棘齿
a part of a machine that allows movement in one direction only. It is usually a wheel with teeth-like parts that either slide over or lock against the free end of a bar.
The ratchet at the other end of the axle only turns one way.
Keep the ratchet mechanism lubricated with oil.
- More examples
- Most handbrakes need about four clicks on the ratchet -if yours takes much more, a garage should adjust it.
- Catapults were loaded and cocked by means of large wheels with ratchets.
- Walnut leaves have a jagged sawtooth edge rather like a ratchet.
- the ratchets of a deckchair