latch /lætʃ/ TEM8 ( latching, latched, latches )

• 1. 

  N-COUNT A latch is a fastening on a door or gate. It consists of a metal bar which you lift in order to open the door. 门闩

  例：

  You left the latch off the gate and the dog escaped.

  你没插门闩，狗跑了。

• 2. 

  N-COUNT A latch is a lock on a door which locks automatically when you shut the door, so that you need a key in order to open it from the outside. 弹簧锁

  例：

  ...a key clicked in the latch of the front door.

  …钥匙在前门的弹簧锁里发出咔哒的声响。