detent
a mechanism that temporarily keeps one part in a certain position relative to that of another, and can be released by applying force to one of the parts.
Origin of detent
1Words Nearby detent
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use detent in a sentence
This want undoubtedly led to the invention of the detent escapement.
Watch and Clock Escapements | AnonymousThis arm striking against the ratchet detent releases the balance weight, and the belt is at once brought on to the loose pulley.
The arm, I, has a notched disk which is engaged by a spring detent which holds the frame at any desired inclination.
Some very good judges esteem the economical importance of the steam-detent as equal to that of the condenser.
Each pin as it passes raises an impulse arm CD which is hooked upon a detent K.
British Dictionary definitions for detent
/ (dɪˈtɛnt) /
the locking piece of a mechanism, often spring-loaded to check the movement of a wheel in one direction only: See also pawl
Origin of detent
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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