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 (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 English (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'

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)

Trends of 'capstan'

Source

Definition of capstan from the Collins English Dictionary

Comments

Word of the day:

whelk

A whelk is a creature like a snail that is found in the sea near the shore . Whelks have hard shells, and soft bodies which can be eaten .

See full definition

Cyber fraud

Why every generation is at risk

We take a look at the etymology behind the word 'election' in the run-up to the UK General Election in June

Language expert Ian Brookes looks at the word 'election' and its origins.

Join the Collins community

All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.

Scrabble score for 'capstan': 11

Latest Word Submissions

longform (TV) Jun 22, 2017

solutionism Jun 22, 2017

Loveability Jun 21, 2017

plurain Jun 21, 2017

heavy traffic Jun 21, 2017

Submit View More

Definition of 'capstan'

capstan (kæpstən )

capstan (ˈkæpstən )

Word origin of 'capstan'

capstan in American English (ˈkæpstən ; kapˈstən)

Word origin of 'capstan'

Example sentences containing 'capstan'

Trends of 'capstan'

Useful links

Nearby words of 'capstan'

Related Terms of 'capstan'

Source

Comments