Wheel

Definition

Wheel refers to a circular object that rotates around an axle and is used to facilitate movement or transportation. It can also describe a steering device in vehicles or the act of turning or rotating something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːl/
• Respelling: WEEL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːl/
• Respelling: WEEL

Etymology

The word "wheel" originates from Old English "hweol" or "hweogol," derived from Proto-Germanic "hwehwlan" and Proto-Indo-European "kʷekʷlos," meaning "circle" or "wheel." It has been used since ancient times to describe circular devices for motion and transportation.

Derivatives

• Wheeled (adjective)
• Wheeling (noun/verb)
• Wheelhouse (noun)
• Wheelwright (noun)
• Wheelbase (noun)

Synonyms

• Disk
• Circle
• Roller

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "wheel" is used to describe a rotating circular object, as in "The cart’s wheel was broken." The verb form describes an action of rotation or movement, such as "He wheeled the bicycle into the garage."

Related Terms

• Axle: A central shaft on which a wheel rotates.
• Gear: A toothed wheel that transmits motion.
• Lever: A simple machine often used in conjunction with wheels.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A circular object that rotates around an axle: Describes the primary component of transportation and machinery.
  • Example: "The wheel of the car was punctured."
• A steering device in vehicles: Refers to the mechanism used to control the direction of a vehicle.
  • Example: "He gripped the wheel tightly as the car skidded."
• A rotating mechanism or apparatus: Describes tools or systems involving circular motion.
  • Example: "The potter’s wheel spun rapidly as she shaped the clay."

Verb

• To move or push something on wheels: Refers to the act of transporting an object using a wheeled device.
  • Example: "He wheeled the trolley to the checkout counter."
• To turn or rotate: Describes circular motion or changing direction.
  • Example: "The bird wheeled around in the sky before diving."