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   ratchet

   /ˈratʃɪt/

   noun

   • 1. a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a cog or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only: "a ratchet screwdriver"
   • ▪ a bar or wheel that forms part of a ratchet.
   • 2. a situation or process that is perceived to be changing in a series of irreversible steps: "the upward ratchet of property taxes"

   verb

   • 1. operate by means of a ratchet: "a ratcheted quick release system"
   • 2. cause something to rise or fall as a step in a steady and irreversible process: "the Bank of Japan ratcheted up interest rates again"
   • ▪ rise or fall as a step in a steady and irreversible process: "the budget deficit continues to ratchet upward"

   Word Origin mid 17th century: from French rochet, originally denoting a blunt lance head, later in the sense ‘bobbin, ratchet’; related to the base of archaic rock ‘quantity of wool on a distaff for spinning’.

   Scrabble Points: 12

   • R

     1

   • A

     1

   • T

     1

   • C

     3

   • H

     4

   • E

     1

   • T

     1

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