detent

[ dih-tent ]

/ dɪˈtɛnt /

noun Machinery.

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.

Nearby words

Origin of detent

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for detent

Usually understood to mean a time-keeper fitted with a spring detent escapement.
Time Telling through the Ages|Harry Chase Brearley
When these crystals are warmed, the detent is lifted, and an outflow of light immediately begins.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2|John Tyndall
But the pressure of the escape-wheel against the detent, and the consequent friction, prevent the pendulum from acting freely.
Great Facts|Frederick C. Bakewell
By shaping the detent in this way nearly all the tendency of the spring E to cockle is annulled.
Watch and Clock Escapements|Anonymous

The soft iron tinned, which is attracted to the electro-magnet b, and liberates the detent.
The Boy's Playbook of Science|John Henry Pepper

British Dictionary definitions for detent

detent

/ (dɪˈtɛnt) /

noun

the locking piece of a mechanism, often spring-loaded to check the movement of a wheel in one direction onlySee also pawl

Word Origin for detent

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012