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Meaning & use

detent

noun·Advancedtechnical

Last updated

UK/dɪˈtent/
US/dɪˈtent/

Meanings

  1. nouncountabletechnical

    A small catch, notch or spring-loaded part that holds a moving piece in a set position until enough force is applied.

    Grammar: Countable: the dial has twelve detents; a detent is the stop, not the whole mechanism.

    Patterns

    • a detent in something
    • the detent on something

    The volume knob clicked into each detent as I turned it.

    A ball bearing pressed by a spring forms the detent that keeps the gear lever in place.

    You can feel a slight detent when the camera dial reaches the correct setting.

  2. nouncountablespecialist

    The part of a clock or watch that stops the escape wheel from turning until the next moment to release it.

    Grammar: Countable and rare outside clockmaking: the detent locks the wheel in a chronometer.

    The watchmaker adjusted the detent in the marine chronometer.

    A tiny spring returns the detent to its resting place after each release.

Word forms

pluraldetents

Common combinations

click into a detent
The selector clicked into a detent at each position.
spring-loaded detent
A spring-loaded detent keeps the lever from slipping.
detent mechanism
The detent mechanism wore out after years of use.
feel the detent
You can feel the detent when the switch reaches center.
detent position
Set the dial to the third detent position.

Synonyms and how they differ

catch
Catch is a general word for any device that holds something shut, while a detent specifically gives a held position that can be pushed past.
stop
A stop blocks movement completely, but a detent lets you move on once you apply enough force.
click-stop
Click-stop describes the same feel in everyday talk, and is less formal than detent.

Word family

detain verb
to keep someone from leaving, from the same Latin root meaning to hold back
detention noun
the act of holding someone back or in custody

Commonly confused: detent or detente?

detent vs detente

Detente (or détente) means an easing of tension between countries, and is pronounced differently from detent.

Practice

As you turn the mode dial, a small spring-loaded part clicks and holds it at each setting. This part is called a ___.

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