rolamite

[ roh-luh-mahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Sometimes Rolamite. a simple, almost frictionless mechanism consisting of a flexible metal band formed in an S-shaped loop around moving rollers: used in many devices, including thermostats, odometers, brakes, and electromechanical weapons.

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Word History and Origins

First recorded in 1965–70; from rol(l) ( def ) and an unknown element; invented by U.S. engineer Donald F. Wilkes (1931–96) and patented by him in 1969

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