detent

[ dih-tent ]

/ dɪˈtɛnt /

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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.

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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

Words nearby detent

detect, detection, detective, detector, detectorist, detent, détente, detention, detention camp, detention center, detention centre

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use detent in a sentence

This want undoubtedly led to the invention of the detent escapement.
Watch and Clock Escapements|Anonymous
This arm striking against the ratchet detent releases the balance weight, and the belt is at once brought on to the loose pulley.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 613, October 1, 1887|Various
The arm, I, has a notched disk which is engaged by a spring detent which holds the frame at any desired inclination.
Scientific American, Vol. XXXIX.No. 6. [New Series.], August 10, 1878|Various
Some very good judges esteem the economical importance of the steam-detent as equal to that of the condenser.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, v. 13|Various

Each pin as it passes raises an impulse arm CD which is hooked upon a detent K.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5|Various

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