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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.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency

capstan in British

(ˈkæpstən )
noun
1. 
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
2. 
any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
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
1. 
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
2. 
a rotating spindle in a tape recorder mechanism that regulates the speed at which the tape is driven past the head
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin of 'capstan'
ME < OProv cabestan < ? L capistrum, halter, muzzle < capere, to take: see have

Example sentences containing 'capstan'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
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'

Used Rarely. capstan is in the lower 50% of commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

View usage for:

Nearby words of 'capstan'

  • capsize
  • capsomer
  • capsomere
  • capstan
  • capstan bar
  • capstan lathe
  • capstone

  • All ENGLISH words that begin with 'C'

Related Terms of 'capstan'

  • capstan bar
  • capstan lathe

Source

Definition of capstan from the Collins English Dictionary

Would

The modal verb would is commonly used as follows: to make a polite request. Would you mind moving your bag? Would you give me a hand with this ladder, please? to offer something politely. ...
Read more about 'Would'
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Scrabble score for 'capstan': 11
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