(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
In a tool or machine, a ~ 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 ~ below it to adjust the height...
N-COUNT
2.
If a tool or machine ~s or if you ~ it, it makes a clicking noise as it operates, because it has a ~ in it.
The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ~ed...
She took up a sheet and ~ed it into the typewriter.
VERB: V, V n
3.
If you describe a situation as a ~, you mean that it is bad and can only become worse. (mainly BRIT)
...another raising of the ~ of violence in the conflict.
N-SING: with supp