capstan

4 ENTRIES FOUND:

cap·stan

noun \ˈkap-stən, -ˌstan\

Definition of CAPSTAN

1
: a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned
2
: a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder

Origin of CAPSTAN

Middle English, probably from Middle French cabestant
First Known Use: 14th century

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