1. mechanisms in clocks and watches that regulate the movement of gears by allowing them to advance in fixed increments
Usage: horology; technical
2. steep slopes or cliffs formed by erosion or faulting
Usage: geology

Examples

• The watchmaker carefully adjusted the escapements to improve the timepiece’s accuracy.
• Modern mechanical watches still rely on traditional escapements for precise timekeeping.
• The clock’s escapements were making a loud ticking sound.
• Geologists studied the limestone escapements along the coast.
• The hiking trail followed the base of the rocky escapements.
• Wind and water erosion created dramatic escapements in the canyon walls.