Main Entry: ¹wheel

Pronunciation: \ˈhwēl, ˈwēl\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hweogol, hwēol; akin to Old Norse hvēl wheel, Greek kyklos circle, wheel, Sanskrit cakra, Latin colere to cultivate, inhabit, Sanskrit carati he moves, wanders

Date: before 12th century

1 : a circular frame of hard material that may be solid, partly solid, or spoked and that is capable of turning on an axle
2 : a contrivance or apparatus having as its principal part a wheel: as a : a chiefly medieval instrument of torture designed for mutilating a victim (as by stretching or disjointing) b : bicycle c : any of many revolving disks or drums used as gambling paraphernalia d : potter's wheel e : steering wheel
3 a : an imaginary turning wheel symbolizing the inconstancy of fortune b : a recurring course, development, or action : cycle
4 : something (as a round flat cheese) resembling a wheel in shape
5 a : a curving or circular movement b : a rotation or turn usually about an axis or center; specifically : a turning movement of troops or ships in line in which the units preserve alignment and relative positions as they change direction
6 a : a moving or essential part of something compared to a machine <the wheels of government> b : a directing or controlling force c : a person of importance especially in an organization <a big wheel>
7 : the refrain or burden of a song
8 a : a circuit of theaters or places of entertainment b : a sports league
9 plural slang : a wheeled vehicle; especially : automobile
10 plural slang : legs

— wheel·less \ˈhwēl-ləs, ˈwēl-\ adjective

[wheel illustration]