DETENT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does detent mean? 

• DETENT (noun)
  The noun DETENT has 1 sense:

1. a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward

  Familiarity information: DETENT used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DETENT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

click; detent; dog; pawl

Hypernyms ("detent" is a kind of...):

catch; stop (a restraint that checks the motion of something)

Holonyms ("detent" is a part of...):

rachet; ratch; ratchet (mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction)