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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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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