detent

UK: /dɪˈtɛnt/ US: (di tent′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•tent  (di tent′), n. [Mach.]

1. Mechanical Engineering a mechanism that temporarily keeps one part in a certain position relative to that of another, and can be released by applying force to one of the parts.

• French détente, Old French destente, derivative of destendre to relax, equivalent. to des- dis-¹ + tendre to stretch; see tender²
• 1680–90

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

detent / dɪˈtɛnt/ noun

1. the locking piece of a mechanism, often spring-loaded to check the movement of a wheel in one direction only
   See also pawl

Etymology: 17th Century: from Old French destente, a loosening, trigger: see détente