freewheel

  1. Noun.  a device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.
  2. Verb.  (context, of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement.
  3. Verb.  (context, of a cyclist) To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.
  4. Verb.  (context, of a motorist) To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.
  5. Verb.  (context, by extension) To operate free from constraints.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.