I. ˈkälə̇t, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, diminutive of col collar, neck, from Latin collum neck — more at collar
1. : a metal band, collar, ferrule, or flange:
a. : a small collar pierced to receive the inner end of a balance spring and fixed friction-tight on the balance staff of a watch or chronometer
b.
(1) : a casing or socket for holding a drill or other tool : collet chuck
(2) : a bushing that keeps stuffing-box packing in place
(3) : a ring forming part of or secured to a spindle or arbor
c. : a circle or flange in a ring or other piece of jewelry in which a precious stone is set
2. : a nonmetallic insert that interrupts the conduction of heat through a metal teapot handle
3. : the often hypothetical although sometimes physically identifiable boundary between the stem and root of a plant — called also collar
4.
[modification (influenced by collet ) of French culet — more at culet ]
: culet 1
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to furnish or surround with a collet