freewheel

== English == === Etymology === From free +‎ wheel. === Pronunciation === === Noun === freewheel (plural freewheels) A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft. The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral. ==== Alternative forms ==== free wheel ==== Translations ==== === Verb === freewheel (third-person singular simple present freewheels, present participle freewheeling, simple past and past participle freewheeled) (engineering, mechanics, of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement. (bicycling, of a cyclist) To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill. (automotive, of a motorist) To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill. (figuratively, by extension) To operate free from constraints. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== See also ====