1 N-COUNT (防倒转的)棘齿,棘轮 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. (防倒转的)棘齿,棘轮
2 V-ERG (使)(工具或机器)发出嗒嗒声 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. (使)(工具或机器)发出嗒嗒声
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The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted. [VERB]
操作杆进一步弯曲,线轴发出刺耳的吱吱声。
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She took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter. [VERB noun]
她拿起一张纸,把它哗哗啦啦地塞到打字机中。
3 N-SING (形势的)每况愈下,恶化 If you describe a situation as a ratchet, you mean that it is bad and can only become worse. (形势的)每况愈下,恶化 [mainly British]
Phrasal verbs: - ratchet downratchet up
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