Rapson's slide

noun

Rap·​son's slide
ˈrapsənz-
: a device that consists of a crosshead capable of moving in fixed guides and having a pivoted block with a hole in it through which passes a lever hinged at a fixed point outside and that is used as a differential gear for a ship's rudder

Word History

Etymology

after John Rapson, British millwright who patented such a device in 1834

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Rapson's slide

Cite this Entry

“Rapson's slide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rapson%27s%20slide. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!