| detent | <mechanics> 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. Origin: F. Detente, fr. Detendre to unbend, relax; pref. De- (L. Dis- or de) + tendre to stretch. See Distend. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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