How Do You Spell DETENT?

Pronunciation: [dɪtˈɛnt] (IPA)

Detent is a commonly used word in engineering and mechanics. It is pronounced as /dɪˈtɛnt/ phonetically. The word has its roots in the French language and is a derivative of "détente," which means relaxation or release. A detent is a mechanical component that prevents movement or locking of a mechanism in a specific position. The spelling of the word "detent" is unique as it contains a silent "e" that separates the consonants "t" and "n." This distinctive spelling makes it easier to differentiate from other similar-sounding words.

DETENT Meaning and Definition

1. Detent is a mechanical device or mechanism designed to hold a component, such as a lever, in a fixed position or prevent it from moving unintentionally. It typically consists of a knob, button, or lever that engages with a series of notches, grooves, or teeth on another component, enabling the detent to click into place at certain intervals. This engagement creates a tactile feedback or resistance, notifying the user that the desired position has been reached or locked into position.

   Detents serve several functions in various applications. In the context of machinery and equipment, detents are often used as indexing mechanisms to ensure precise alignment and positioning of components. They also act as safety measures by preventing accidental movements or shifts that could potentially cause damage or harm. Additionally, detents can be found in consumer products, such as gearshift mechanisms, allowing users to select different settings or modes by clicking into specific detent positions.

   Detents can function using various methods, including spring-loaded ball bearings, ratchets, or interlocking teeth. The level of resistance and feedback provided by a detent can vary depending on its design, with some detents offering a gentle click or subtle resistance, while others provide a more pronounced and definite lock. Overall, detents play an essential role in providing stability, control, and precision in mechanical systems.

2. A stop in a clock.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DETENT

• setent
• xetent
• cetent
• fetent
• retent
• eetent
• dwtent
• dstent
• ddtent
• drtent
• d4tent
• d3tent
• derent
• deyent
• de6ent
• de5ent
• detwnt
• detsnt
• detdnt

Etymology of DETENT

The word "detent" originates from the French word "détente", which means "loosening" or "release". The French term comes from the verb "détendre", meaning "to loosen" or "to unwind". Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Latin word "intendere", which means "to stretch" or "to strain". The concept of a detent emerged in mechanics to refer to a device that prevents or controls the movement of another part by locking it in place until released.

Similar spelling words for DETENT

• Detannate,
• DETINET,
• decent,
• Tetanoid,
• Titanite,
• didnot,
• Detentio,
• Detained,
• tytonidae,
• tent,
• Titanate,
• DATINT,
• detonate,
• TWODANT,
• tatyanaite,
• daddynut,
• DETOND,
• depend,
• totient,
• Deodand,
• silico-titanate,
• dead end,
• detuned,
• deiodinate,
• DATANET,
• tidende,
• didonato,
• detest,
• TADNET,
• titan2d,
• Dotant,
• un-tightened,
• detention,
• detect,
• tetanode,
• defend,
• dead and,
• didnt,
• deadened,
• duttonite,
• tatenda,
• tautened,
• dent,
• DETINUIT,
• descent,
• didn't,
• tightened,
• Diodont,
• deadhand,
• detente,
• lean-to tent,
• tight end,
• deadend,
• toutant,
• DATENT,
• patent.

Plural form of DETENT is DETENTS