[free-hweel, -weel] 
| 1. | a device in the transmission of a motor vehicle that automatically disengages the drive shaft whenever it begins to turn more rapidly than the engine. |
| 2. | a form of rear bicycle wheel that has a device freeing it from the driving mechanism, as when the pedals are stopped in coasting. |
| 3. | (of a vehicle or its operator) to coast with the wheels disengaged from the driving mechanism. |
| 4. | to move or function freely, independently, unconcernedly, or the like (often fol. by about, through, around, etc.): The two friends freewheeled around the country after graduation. |
| free·wheel (frē'hwēl', -wēl') n. also free wheel
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