Definition of Freewheel

1. Verb. Live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely. "My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school"

Exact synonyms: Drift
Related verbs: Drift
Generic synonyms: Exist, Live, Subsist, Survive
Derivative terms: Freewheeler

2. Noun. A clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting).
Generic synonyms: Clutch

3. Verb. Coast in a vehicle using the freewheel.
Generic synonyms: Coast

Definition of Freewheel

1. n. A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped or rotated backwards. Freewheelcycles are usually fitted with hub brakes or rim brakes, operated by back pedaling.

2. v. i. Of a freewheel cycle, to run on while the pedals are held still.

Definition of Freewheel

1. Noun. a device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft. ¹

2. Verb. (context: of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement. ¹

3. Verb. (context: of a cyclist) To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill. ¹

4. Verb. (context: of a motorist) To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill. ¹

5. Verb. (context: by extension) To operate free from constraints. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Freewheel

1. [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Freewheel

freetards
freethinker
freethinkers
freethinking
freethinkings
freethought
freetier
freetiest
freets
freety
freeware
freewares
freeway
freeway space
freeways
freewheel (current term)
freewheeled
freewheeler
freewheelers
freewheelin'
freewheeling
freewheelingly
freewheels
freewill
freewoman
freewrite
freewrites
freewriting
freewritings
freewritten

Literary usage of Freewheel

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Journal by Helicopter Association of Great Britain (1894)
"The main gear-box which is mounted on four rubber bushes, carries the clutch, the vertical shaft drive, the side propeller drive, the freewheel, ..."

2. Huibert Groenendijk: Down to Design by Conny Bakker (2004)
"Groenendijk thought up the freewheel as a discussion piece for Thijs. The freewheel is a combination job where you can choose between a recumbent or ..."

3. Mineral Requirements for Military Personnel: Levels Needed for Cognitive and by Food and Nutrition Board, Committee on Military Nutrition Research, National Academy of Sciences (U.S.) (2006)
"freewheel running prevents learned helplessness/behavioral depression: Role ... Voluntary freewheel running selectively modulates catecholamine content in ..."

4. Cassier's Magazine edited by [Anonymus AC02877163] (1903)
"Many years elapsed before the " freewheel " principle was again employed At the Chicago Exposition of 1893 was shown a private locomotive belong- FIG. ..."

5. Mechanical Testing: A Treatise in Two Volumes by Reginald George Cyril Batson, James Henry Hyde (1922)
"The test-piece is driven, through a universal joint, by the chain (S), freewheel and clutch (T). One end of the chain is attached to the roller, ..."

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