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N-COUNT
(防倒转的)棘齿，棘轮
In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards.
例句
The chair has a ratchet below it to adjust the height...
这把椅子下面有棘轮调整高度。
A ratchet mechanism transfers the thread from spool to bobbin.
一种棘齿装置把线从线轴转到梭心上。
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V-ERG
（使）（工具或机器）发出嗒嗒声
If a tool or machine ratchets or if you ratchet it, it makes a clicking noise as it operates, because it has a ratchet in it.
例句
The rod bent double, the reel shrieked and ratcheted...
操作杆进一步弯曲，线轴发出刺耳的吱吱声。
She took up a sheet and ratcheted it into the typewriter.
她拿起一张纸，把它哗哗啦啦地塞到打字机中。
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N-SING
（形势的）每况愈下，恶化
If you describe a situation as a ratchet, you mean that it is bad and can only become worse.
例句
...another raising of the ratchet of violence in the conflict.
冲突中又一次的暴力升级