capstan
/ˈkæpstən/
noun
- A rotating machine used on ships to wind ropes or cables, often for lifting anchors or heavy loads.
- The sailors turned the capstan to raise the heavy anchor from the seabed.
- A capstan uses a vertical drum that pulls in the rope as it rotates.
- The old ship's capstan was made of wood and iron.
- A rotating spindle in a tape recorder or other device that moves the tape at a steady speed.
- If the capstan is dirty, the tape may wobble or sound distorted.
- The capstan in the cassette player ensures the tape moves smoothly.
- He cleaned the capstan with a special swab to fix the playback issue.
Synonyms