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Definition of Ratchet
1. Noun. Mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction.
Generic synonyms: Mechanical Device
Terms within: Click, Detent, Dog, Pawl, Ratchet Wheel
Group relationships: Ratchet Screwdriver, Spiral Ratchet Screwdriver
2. Verb. Move by degrees in one direction only. "A ratcheting lopping tool"
Generic synonyms: Advance, Go On, March On, Move On, Pass On, Progress
Definition of Ratchet
1. n. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
Definition of Ratchet
1. to increase or decrease by small amounts [v -ED, -ING, -S]
Medical Definition of Ratchet
1. 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. 2. A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d Ratch. Ratchet brace, a circular wheel having teeth, usually angular, with which a reciprocating pawl engages to turn the wheel forward, or a stationary pawl to hold it from turning backward. In the cut, the moving pawl c slides over the teeth in one direction, but in returning, draws the wheel with it, while the pawl d prevents it from turning in the contrary direction. Origin: Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. Rochet. See Ratch, Rack the instrument. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Ratchet
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