ratch

n : a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it

to move in only one direction [syn: {ratchet}, {rachet}]

latch

A digital logic circuit used to store one or more bits. A

latch has a data input, a clock input and an output. When the

clock input is active, data on the input is "latched" or

stored and transfered to the output either immediately or when

the clock input goes inactive. The output will then retain

its value until the clock goes active again.

See also {flip-flop}.

(1995-02-03)