Definitions for detentdɪˈtɛnt
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
de•tentdɪˈtɛnt(n.)
a mechanism that temporarily keeps one part in a certain position relative to another, and can be released by applying force to one of the parts.
Category: Machinery
Origin of detent:
1680–90; < F détente, OF destente, der. of destendre to relax =des-dis -1+tendre to stretch; see tender2
Princeton's WordNet
pawl, detent, click, dog(noun)
a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
Wiktionary
detent(Noun)
That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.
detent(Verb)
The action of creating a detent mechanism to lock or unlock movement.
Webster Dictionary
Detent(noun)
that which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking
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