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detent

noun de·tent \ ˈdē-ˌtent , di-ˈ \

Updated on: 3 Apr 2018

Definition of detent

: a device (such as a catch, dog, or spring-operated ball) for positioning and holding one mechanical part in relation to another in a manner such that the device can be released by force applied to one of the parts

Recent Examples of detent from the Web

With a regular gearstick, drivers choose a transmission option (park, reverse, neutral, drive, etc.) by moving the stick into the corresponding notch or detent.

— marwa eltagouri, chicagotribune.com, "Actor Anton Yelchin's parents settle with Fiat Chrysler after he was crushed to death by his SUV," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of detent

French détente, from Middle French destente, from destendre to slacken, from Old French, from des- de- + tendre to stretch, from Latin tendere — more at thin

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First Known Use: 1688

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