LOCK

Lock

A lock is a device for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways. The distinguishing feature of a lock is a fixed chamber in which the water level can be varied; whereas in a caisson lock, a boat lift, or on a canal inclined plane, it is the chamber itself that rises and falls.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Lock (water transport)
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

lock

Noun

  1. Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.
  2. A mutex or other token restricting access to a resource.
  3. A segment of a canal or other waterway enclosed by gates, used for raising and lowering boats between levels.
  4. The firing mechanism of a gun.
  5. Complete control over a situation.
  6. Something sure to be a success.
  7. A player in the scrum behind the front row, usually the tallest members of the team.
  8. A fastening together or interlacing; a closing of one thing upon another; a state of being fixed or immovable.
  9. A place from which egress is prevented, as by a lock.
  10. A device for keeping a wheel from turning.
  11. A grapple in wrestling.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. tuft or length of hair

Verb

  1. To furnish (a canal) with locks.
  2. To raise or lower (a boat) in a lock.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To become fastened in place.
    If you put the brakes on too hard, the wheels will lock.
  2. To fasten with a lock.
    Remember to lock the door when you leave.
  3. To be capable of becoming fastened in place.
    This door locks with a key.
  4. To intertwine or dovetail.
    with his hands locked behind his back
    We locked arms and stepped out into the night.
  5. To freeze one's body or a part thereof in place.
    a pop and lock routine


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: lock
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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