FREE WHEEL Meaning and
Definition
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Free wheel, also known as freewheel, is a mechanical device typically found in bicycles that allows the rider to pedal forward without engaging the rear wheel's mechanism. It is located on the rear hub and consists of a set of ratchets and pawls.
In operation, when the rider pedals forward, the freewheel allows the rear wheel to rotate freely and independently of the pedals, allowing the rider to pedal without causing the wheel to turn. This is achieved through the tightening of the pawls against the ratchets inside the freewheel, ensuring the desired unidirectional rotational movement. In contrast, when the rider stops pedaling or pedals backward, the pawls disengage, allowing the wheel to rotate with the motion of the pedals.
The purpose of a freewheel is to provide convenience and safety to the rider. It allows for moments of coasting without having to pedal, whether for a break, downhill ride, or adjusting one's position. Moreover, the engagement and disengagement of the freewheel mechanism facilitate smooth gear changes, as it ensures the drivetrain components are not forced to rotate when not desired.
The concept of freewheeling has extended beyond bicycles and can also refer to other mechanical systems or metaphorical situations. It conveys the idea of uninterrupted or unrestricted movement in a particular direction without external constraints or limitations, characterized by a sense of fluidity, ease, and independence.
Common Misspellings for FREE WHEEL
- dree wheel
- cree wheel
- vree wheel
- gree wheel
- tree wheel
- rree wheel
- feee wheel
- fdee wheel
- ffee wheel
- ftee wheel
- f5ee wheel
- f4ee wheel
- frwe wheel
- frse wheel
- frde wheel
- frre wheel
- fr4e wheel
- fr3e wheel
- frew wheel
- fres wheel
Etymology of FREE WHEEL
The term "free wheel" originated from the combination of two separate words, "free" and "wheel".
The word "free" can be traced back to the Old English word "freo" or "freoȝ", which meant "not in bondage, having the power of acting, not held in subjection". It eventually evolved to refer to something that is not constrained, restricted, or bound.
The word "wheel" has ancient roots and can be traced back to the Old English word "hweol" or "hweogol", which referred to a circular object that could rotate on an axis. The term has cognates in various other Germanic languages.
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