Freewheel

Quick meaning: Freewheel is a noun meaning A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.

Meaning

A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.

More Meanings

1. The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral.
2. (engineering, mechanics, of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement.
3. (bicycling, of a cyclist) To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.
4. (automotive, of a motorist) To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.
5. (figuratively, by extension) To operate free from constraints.

Example Sentences

Silently and gracefully I free-wheeled across the path of three juggernauts, [...] glided across the hard shoulder and came to rest halfway up a grass bank.

On her elderly bicycle with the basketwork carrier on the handle-bars, Dorothy free-wheeled down the hill, doing mental arithmetic with three pounds nineteen and fourpence--her entire stock of money until next quarter-day.

Word Forms

• freewheels
• free wheel
• freewheeling
• freewheeled

Synonyms for freewheel

Depending on context, synonyms include drift.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include drift, flexplate, drivewheel, flywheel, gearwheel, gear.

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