freewheel

Plural: freewheels

Noun

• a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)
• A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.
• The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral.

Verb

• live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely
• coast in a vehicle using the freewheel
• To continue spinning after disengagement.
• To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.
• To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.
• To operate free from constraints.

Synonyms

drift

Related Words

neutral, overdrive