ratchet

ratch·et  (rcht)

n.

1. A mechanism consisting of a pawl that engages the sloping teeth of a wheel or bar, permitting motion in one direction only.

2. The pawl, wheel, or bar of this mechanism.

v. ratch·et·ed, ratch·et·ing, ratch·ets

v.tr.

To cause to increase or decrease by increments: "Some companies . . . may make things worse if they seek to ratchet down their medical expenses by limiting benefits for psychological or psychiatric care" Newsweek.

v.intr.

To increase or decrease by increments.

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[French rochet, from Old French rocquet, head of a lance (from the shape of the teeth), of Germanic origin.]

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ratchet

Noun

1. a device in which a toothed rack or wheel is engaged by a pivoted lever which permits motion in one direction only

2. the toothed rack or wheel in such a device

3. to operate using a ratchet

4. (usually foll. by up, down)to increase or decrease, esp irreversibly: Hitchcock ratchets up the tension once again [French rochet]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	ratchet - mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction rachet, ratch mechanical device - mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles detent, pawl, click, dog - a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward ratchet wheel - toothed wheel held in place by a pawl or detent and turned by a lever ratchet screwdriver, spiral ratchet screwdriver - a screwdriver with a ratchet (so the blade turns in only one direction) and a spiral in the handle (so the blade rotates) with downward pressure on the handle
Verb	1.	ratchet - move by degrees in one direction only; "a ratcheting lopping tool" rachet up, ratchet down advance, march on, move on, progress, pass on, go on - move forward, also in the metaphorical sense; "Time marches on"

Translations

ratchet [ˈrætʃɪt] n (TECH) → trinquete m

ratchet [ˈrætʃɪt] n ratchet wheel → roue f à rochet

ratchet [ˈrætʃɪt] n → Sperrklinke f;

ratchet wheel → Sperrad nt

ratchet [ˈrætʃɪt] n ratchet wheel → ruota dentata