detent

[ dih-tent ]

nounMachinery.
  1. 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

1
1680–90; <French détente,Old French destente, derivative of destendre to relax, equivalent to des-dis-1 + tendre to stretch; see tender2

Words Nearby detent

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How to use detent in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for detent

detent

/ (dɪˈtɛnt) /


noun
  1. 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

1
C17: from Old French destente, a loosening, trigger: see détente

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