ratchet

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“
It has a serrated tab that fits into the buckle mechanism like a ratchet, and it releases quickly.

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Definitions (9)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (4)

  1. noun A mechanism consisting of a pawl that engages the sloping teeth of a wheel or bar, permitting motion in one direction only.
  2. noun The pawl, wheel, or bar of this mechanism.
  3. transitive verb 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).
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Examples (50)

  • One of the most frightening thoughts about Europe is that as the ratchet has been tightening there will only be one way for it to loosen. —  Libertarian Blog Place
  • It has a serrated tab that fits into the buckle mechanism like a ratchet, and it releases quickly. —  webBikeWorld.com
  • The ratchet is a fine-tooth model, meaning it takes less than five degrees of swing to activate the ratcheting mechanism. —  Toolmonger: The Week In Tools
  • He thinks that so long as the total city budget has grown year to year, and it has, that the ratchet is a myth. —  Colorado Springs Independent
  • Climate change is like a ratchet, which we wind up by releasing CO —  RealClimate
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This word has been looked up 80 times.

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

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

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from ratch + -et.
 

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/ˈrætʃɛt/
by American Heritage

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