ratchet

ratchet
I. noun also rachet Etymology: alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff — more at rock Date: 1654 1. a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only 2. a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel II. verb also rachet Date: 1972 transitive verb to cause to move by steps or degrees — usually used with up or down <
tried to ratchet down the debt
>
intransitive verb to proceed by steps or degrees

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

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  • Ratchet — Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A mechanism… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Ratchet — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Ratchet puede referirse a: El personaje Ratchet, del universo de los Transformers, capaz de transformarse en una ambulancia. El personaje Ratchet, de la serie de videojuegos Ratchet Clank. Obtenido de Ratchet… …   Wikipedia Español

  • ratchet — A mechanism by which the successful performance of management reflected in growth in the value of a company is rewarded by progressively increasing their share of the equity. Easyform Glossary of Law Terms. UK law terms. ratchet …   Law dictionary

  • ratchet — ► NOUN ▪ a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl, cog, or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only. ► VERB (ratcheted, ratcheting) 1) operate by means of a ratchet. 2) (ratchet up/down) cause… …   English terms dictionary

  • ratchet — [rach′it] n. [earlier rochet < Fr, lance head, distaff < It rocchetto, bobbin, spindle, dim. of rocca, distaff < Goth * rukka, akin to OHG roccho, spindle, distaff < IE base * ruk(k) , spun yarn] 1. a toothed wheel (in full ratchet… …   English World dictionary

  • Ratchet — A ratchet may refer to: * Ratchet (device), a mechanical device for controlling rotational motion * Socket wrench, a tool that makes use of the above mechanical device * A part of some forceps, to fix the blades of the forceps, such as in… …   Wikipedia

  • ratchet — ▪ I. ratchet ratch‧et 1 [ˈrætʆt] noun [countable] FINANCE an arrangement in which the value of someone s share in a company depends on how well the company performs. This is often done where company managers own a share in the company: • A… …   Financial and business terms

  • ratchet — [[t]ræ̱tʃɪt[/t]] ratchets, ratcheting, ratcheted 1) N COUNT In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards. The chair has… …   English dictionary

  • ratchet — /rach it/, n. 1. a toothed bar with which a pawl engages. 2. (not in technical use) a pawl or the like used with a ratchet or ratchet wheel. 3. a mechanism consisting of such a bar or wheel with the pawl. 4. See ratchet wheel. 5. a steady… …   Universalium

  • ratchet — {{11}}ratchet (n.) 1650s, from Fr. rochet bobbin, spindle, from It. rocchetto spool, ratchet, dim. of rocca distaff, possibly from a Germanic source (Cf. O.H.G. rocko distaff, O.N. rokkr), from P.Gmc. *rukka , from PIE root *rug to spin. Cf.… …   Etymology dictionary

  • ratchet — ratch|et1 [ˈrætʃıt] n [Date: 1600 1700; : French; Origin: rochet, from Old French rocquet point of a spear ] a machine part consisting of a wheel or bar with teeth on it, which allows movement in only one direction ratchet 2 ratchet2 v ratchet up …   Dictionary of contemporary English

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