transcription, транскрипция: [ rætʃɪt ]
( ratchets, ratcheting, ratcheted)
1.
In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards.
The chair has a ratchet below it to adjust the height...
N-COUNT
2.
If a tool or machine ratchets or if you ratchet it, it makes a clicking noise as it operates, because it has a ratchet in it.
The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted...
She took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter.
VERB : V , V n
3.
If you describe a situation as a ratchet , you mean that it is bad and can only become worse. ( mainly BRIT )
...another raising of the ratchet of violence in the conflict.
N-SING : with supp