ratch.et
n.(名词)A mechanism consisting of a pawl that engages the sloping teeth of a wheel or bar, permitting motion in one direction only.棘轮,棘爪:一种包含合于转轮或长条倾斜性齿轮中的爪状物的机械,使轮仅向一个方向运动The pawl, wheel, or bar of this mechanism.棘轮,棘爪,棘条:这种机械装置中的爪状物,转轮或长条v.tr.(及物动词)ratch.et.ed,ratch.et.ing,ratch.ets To increase or decrease by increments. Often used withup, upward, down, or downward : 渐进:一步步地增加或减少。通常与up,upward,down 或 downward 一起使用: 例句:.Some companies . . . may make things worse if they seek to ratchet down their medical expenses by limiting benefits for psychological or psychiatric care.(Newsweek).有些公司企图限制精神或心理卫生上的福利来减少医疗开支,那它们只会把事情搞得更糟.(新闻周刊)
来源:French rochet 法语 rochet from Old French rocquet [head of a lance (from the shape of the teeth)] 源自 古法语 rocquet [长矛尖端(由齿状而来)] [of Germanic origin] [来源于德语]