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N-COUNT
(防倒轉(zhuǎn)的)棘齒，棘輪
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.
例句
The chair has a ratchet below it to adjust the height...
這把椅子下面有棘輪調(diào)整高度。
A ratchet mechanism transfers the thread from spool to bobbin.
一種棘齒裝置把線從線軸轉(zhuǎn)到梭心上。
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V-ERG
（使）（工具或機器）發(fā)出嗒嗒聲
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.
例句
The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted...
操作桿進一步彎曲，線軸發(fā)出刺耳的吱吱聲。
She took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter.
她拿起一張紙，把它嘩嘩啦啦地塞到打字機中。
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N-SING
（形勢的）每況愈下，惡化
If you describe a situation as a ratchet, you mean that it is bad and can only become worse.
例句
...another raising of the ratchet of violence in the conflict.
沖突中又一次的暴力升級