ratchet

n. 棘轮, 棘爪
【机】 棘轮, 棘齿轮

动词过去式:ratcheted 过去分词:ratcheted 现在分词:ratcheting 第三人称单数:ratchets 

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]