freewheel Hear it!

freewheel Definition

free·wheel (frē′hwēl′, -wēl′)

noun

  1. in a bicycle, a device in the rear hub that permits the rear wheel to go on turning when the pedals are stopped
  2. in some automobiles, helicopters, etc. a device that permits the speed of the drive shaft or rotor to exceed that of the engine shaft, thus producing greater speeds with no increase in power
freewheel Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: Cannot be used with a child cycle which does not have a rear freewheel.
  • combine: The BF ( = Brake Freewheel ) permits you to use the function of an automatic freewheel combined with a coaster brake.

Particle object:

  • hill: I freewheeled down the hill, trees flashing past, the late summer sunlight flickering above my head.

Modifies a noun

  • mode: Powered wheelchairs should not be left in freewheel mode.
  • drive: Advanced features included a Freewheel drive option, to disengage the engine, saving fuel going down hills!
  • option: Advanced features included a Freewheel drive option, to disengage the engine, saving fuel going down hills!

Modifying Another Word

  • downhill: Continue on, and this is now one of the best bits as you can freewheel downhill all the way into Gamlingay.
  • then: Take them up on the chair lifts and then freewheel and scoot down the tracks and trails back to the village.
  • independently: The child may pedal or freewheel independently of the towing adult.
  • down: I make my excuses and freewheel back down the hill.
  • uphill: It sounds obvious: you wouldn't expect to freewheel uphill, would you?

Noun used with modifier

  • speed: Before the 100mm width was too wide for a front fork and only allowed a rear 3 speed freewheel.