Flywheel vs. Freewheel

Flywheel vs. Freewheel — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Flywheel and Freewheel

Flywheelnoun

(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.

Freewheelnoun

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

Flywheelnoun

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

Freewheelverb

(of a gear) To continue spinning after disengagement.

Freewheelverb

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

Freewheelverb

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

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Freewheelverb

(by extension) To operate free from constraints.

Freewheelnoun

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

Freewheelverb

live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely;

My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school

Freewheelverb

coast in a vehicle using the freewheel