freewheel

Meaning

Noun

1. A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.
2. The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral.

Verb

1. To continue spinning after disengagement.
2. To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.
3. To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.
4. (broadly, figuratively) To operate free from constraints.

Synonyms

drift

Translations

Freilauf

roue libre

τριγυρίζω

κυλίεται ελεύθερα

freewheelen

vrijloop

vrijwiel

الحرية

piñon libre

pinyo lliure

Etymology

From free + wheel.