n. 1 a catch by the removal of which machinery is allowed to move. 2 (in a clock etc.) a catch that regulates striking.
[ F détente f. OF destente f. destendre slacken (as DE-, L tendere) ]
n. 1 a catch by the removal of which machinery is allowed to move. 2 (in a clock etc.) a catch that regulates striking.
[ F détente f. OF destente f. destendre slacken (as DE-, L tendere) ]
Concise Oxford English dictionary. Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка. 2012