freewheel

Meanings

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.

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. To operate free from constraints.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *preyH- Proto-Indo-European *-ós Proto-Indo-European *priHós Proto-Germanic *frijwaz Proto-West Germanic *friu Old English frēo Middle English fre English free Proto-Indo-European *kʷel- Proto-Indo-European *kʷekʷléh₂ Proto-Germanic *hweulō Old English hwēol Middle English whel English wheel English freewheel From free + wheel.