ratchet wheel

American  

noun

1. a wheel, with teeth on the edge, into which a pawl drops or catches, as to prevent reversal of motion or convert reciprocating motion into rotatory motion.

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Etymology

Origin of ratchet wheel

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

The running board was rotten and full of holes; the brake at the north end of the car would not hold on account of having a loose ratchet wheel.

From Railroad Accidents Their Cause and Prevention by Richards, R. C.

It is self-evident that a narrow pallet requires a wide tooth, and a wide pallet a narrow or thin tooth wheel; in the ratchet wheel we have a metal point passing over a jeweled plane.

From An Analysis of the Lever Escapement by Playtner, H. R.

The ratchet wheel and pawl shown in fig.

From Gas and Oil Engines, Simply Explained An Elementary Instruction Book for Amateurs and Engine Attendants by Runciman, Walter C.

On the side of the clock case was a contact maker, which closed the circuit by the pin on the ratchet wheel, R, once every minute.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 664, September 22,1888 by Various

Care has to be taken that the pushes of the pall do not cause the ratchet wheel to be impelled too far.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various