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 axle2: 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 : cycle4: something (as a round flat cheese) resembling a wheel in shape5 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 direction6 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 song8 a: a circuit of theaters or places of entertainment b: a sports league9plural slang : a wheeled vehicle ; especially : automobile10plural slang : legs

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

[wheel illustration]