a catch in a machine which prevents motion until released (机器中的)止动器 ■(in a clock) a catch that regulates striking (时钟中的)鸣钟报时控制器
语源
late 17th cent. (denoting a catch in clocks and watches): from French détente, from Old French destente, from destendre 'slacken', from des- (expressing reversal) + Latin tendere 'to stretch'