English Dictionary

capstan

/ˈkæp.stən/

noun

(nautical) A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, used to apply force to ropes, cables, etc. It is typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers used to turn it.

The capstan is used to control the tension of the rope.

意味（1）

(nautical) A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, used to apply force to ropes, cables, etc. It is typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers used to turn it.

We toiled over the capstan, and late in the afternoon slipped out of the harbour.

意味（2）

(electronics) A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.