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disc brake

American  
Or disk brake

noun

Automotive.
  1. a brake system in which a disc attached to a wheel is slowed by the friction of brake pads being pressed against the disc by a caliper.


disc brake British  

noun

  1. a type of brake in which two calliper-operated pads rub against a flat disc attached to the wheel hub when the brake is applied

"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

disc brake Scientific  
/ dĭsk /
  1. A brake in which friction is caused by a set of pads, usually made of steel, that press against a rotating disk to slow or stop its rotation.


Etymology

Origin of disc brake

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to EIT Urban Mobility, drum brakes produce around 23% less wear than disc brakes, which involve a rotating disc and brake pads.

From BBC

The Seagull “Flying Edition” tested by Caresoft has six air bags, rear disc brakes and electronic stability control.

From Seattle Times

The ZX is also fitted with Tecktro mechanical disc brakes, not pricier hydraulic brakes, which are more reliable and provide better modulation.

From The Verge

The lawsuit claims that the Rad Runner’s “disc brakes in conjunction with a quick-release mechanism for detaching the front wheel” is “a known safety hazard” in the bike industry.

From New York Times

And the stopping power has been improved with the inclusion of hydraulic disc brakes with long-lasting ceramic pads.

From The Verge