ratchet

Pronunciation: /ˈɹæt͡ʃɪt/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction
  2. verb move by degrees in one direction only

Etymology

From French rochet (“bobbin, spindle, ratchet”), from Italian rocchetto (“spool, ratchet”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

rachet, ratch

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
mechanical device

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