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

See Examples For:

ratchet wheel

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 R. C. Richards

Electrically driven dials usually consist of a ratchet wheel driven by an electrically moved pall.

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

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 Walter C. Runciman

Behind local dials are electromagnets which, by means of an armature working a frame and ratchet wheel, move the hands forward every minute or half-minute as the current is sent from the standard clock.

From The Story of Electricity by John Munro

Every ferry passenger is familiar with the rapid tinkling of the ratchet wheel that warps the landing stage up to the level of the boat's deck.

From Mince Pie by Christopher Morley