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.

---

Etymology

Origin of ratchet wheel

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ratchet wheel

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

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 depth of feed is regulated by a patent detent lever which engages with the teeth of a ratchet wheel, till released therefrom by contact with the adjustable stop.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

Care has to be taken that the pushes of the pall do not cause the ratchet wheel to be impelled too far.

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

In one piece with the worm-wheel is a ratchet wheel l, and at m is a handle with a pawl that may be engaged with or disengaged from ratchet-wheel l.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua