Definition of 'capstan'

Word Frequency

capstan

(kæpstən )

Word forms: plural capstans

countable noun

A capstan is a machine consisting of a drum that turns round and pulls in a heavy rope or something attached to a rope, for example an anchor.

Word Frequency

capstan in British

(ˈkæpstən )

noun

a machine with a drum that rotates round a vertical spindle and is turned by a motor or lever, used for hauling in heavy ropes, etc

any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head

Word origin of 'capstan'

C14: from Old Provençal cabestan, from Latin capistrum a halter, from capere to seize

Word Frequency

capstan in American

(ˈkæpstən ; kapˈstən)

noun

an apparatus, mainly on ships, around which cables or hawsers are wound for hoisting anchors, lifting weights, etc.: it consists of an upright, spool-shaped cylinder that is turned on an inner shafting by machinery or by hand

a rotating spindle in a tape recorder mechanism that regulates the speed at which the tape is driven past the head

Word origin of 'capstan'

ME < OProv cabestan < ? L capistrum, halter, muzzle < capere, to take: see have

Example sentences containing 'capstan'

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This morning the cable broke lifting a capstan winch into the bow. Forsythe, Malcolm THE BOOK LADY (1993)Standing before a capstan lathe had made existence tolerable by providing the ambition to excel at what he was doing. Sillitoe, Alan THE OPEN DOOR (1993)

I retreated into the bow, past the capstan, on a line with the cathead. Wilson, Bob STONE THE CROWS, IT'S A VACUUM-CLEANER (1993)