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 third cause which catches hold, like a ratchet wheel in machinery, from time to time producing a complete standstill, is the greater strength of the defensive form.

From On War — Volume 1 by Graham, J. J., Colonel

One was used in connection with the propelling lever, which was provided with a pawl to fit into the teeth of the reversed ratchet wheel on its forward movement.

From Edison, His Life and Inventions by Dyer, Frank Lewis

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.

The ratchet wheel is stepped around automatically by each impulse of current from an ordinary pole changer such as is employed in ringing biased bells.

From Cyclopedia of Telephony & Telegraphy Vol. 1 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by Miller, Kempster

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.