Flywheel vs. Freewheel

A heavy-rimmed rotating wheel used to minimize variations in angular velocity or revolutions per minute, as in a machine subject to fluctuation in drive and load.

A power-transmission device that allows the drive shaft of a motor vehicle to continue turning when its speed is greater than that of the engine shaft.

An analogous device used to store or regulate kinetic energy, for example to regulate the speed of clockwork.

A clutch in the rear-wheel hub of a bicycle that permits the wheel to turn without pedal action, as in coasting.

(mechanical engineering) A rotating mass used to maintain the speed of a machine within certain limits while the machine receives or releases energy at a varying rate, or as a form of energy storage.

To continue turning or spinning after disengagement from the drive mechanism.

A heavy wheel or disk which stores kinetic energy by rotating on a shaft, and by its momentum smoothes the operation of a reciprocating engine by reducing fluctuations of speed. It is used in certain types of machinery, such as automobiles.

To live or move freely and sometimes aimlessly or irresponsibly.

Regulator consisting of a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smoothes the operation of a reciprocating engine

To operate independently or free of restraints.

A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.

(of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement.

(of a cyclist) To ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.

(of a motorist) To operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.

(by extension) To operate free from constraints.

A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped or rotated backwards. Freewheelcycles are usually fitted with hub brakes or rim brakes, operated by back pedaling.

Of a freewheel cycle, to run on while the pedals are held still.

To operate like a freewheel, so that one part moves freely over another which normally moves with it; - said of a clutch.

To act without controls, external or internal; to live freely, independently, and without concern; - of people.

A clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)

Live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely;

Coast in a vehicle using the freewheel