1. detent - Noun
2. detent - Verb
That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.
Source: Webster's dictionaryThe cocking handle is held in a forward position by a spring detent located in the front end of the cocking lever support which engages in the cocking lever housing. Source: Internet
As the world hails detent in the Korean peninsula and dialogues between North and South Koreas, and waits for negotiation between the US president and the North Korean Leader Kim Jung-un on 12 June, there arise three major scandals. Source: Internet
I told HE John Kerry, on his visit to Cambodia, that one should refrain from pouring oil into flame and try to keep detent in relations on South China Sea. Source: Internet
Usually such a switch has a detent mechanism so it "clicks" from one active position to another rather than stalls in an intermediate position. Source: Internet