cap
stan
复数形式
capstans
1
绞盘, 垂直轴水平旋转的绞车
a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails
2
绞盘, 旋转轴
a rotating spindle used to apply tension, often used in musical instruments and other mechanical devices
A capstan is a cylindrical device used on some musical instruments to adjust the tension of the strings. It is often found on instruments like harpsichords and pianos. By turning the capstan, the musician can precisely tune the strings, which helps in maintaining proper pitch and tuning. The capstan usually works by pressing or pulling the strings through a mechanism that adjusts their tension.