wheel
UK: wiːl | US: wiːl
n. a circular object that revolves on an axle, used for moving vehicles or machinery
n. a steering device in vehicles (e.g., "steering wheel")
vt. to push or move something on wheels
vi. to turn or pivot rapidly
wheel = whee<to turn> + l<diminutive or frequentative suffix>
- whee<to turn>: Derived from Old English hwēol, related to Proto-Germanic hwehwlą, meaning "to revolve."
- l: A common Germanic suffix often used to form nouns or verbs, possibly indicating repetition or smallness.
Etymology Origin:
The word "wheel" traces back to Old English hwēol, evolving from Proto-Germanic hwehwlą, which itself stems from Proto-Indo-European kʷékʷlos ("circle, wheel"). This root is shared across Indo-European languages (e.g., Greek kýklos, Sanskrit cakrá). The concept of the wheel as a revolutionary invention is mirrored in its linguistic persistence, symbolizing motion and circularity.
The cart’s wooden wheel creaked as it rolled down the road.
She gripped the steering wheel tightly during the storm.
He wheeled the suitcase through the crowded airport.
The dancer wheeled gracefully across the stage.
Ancient civilizations used the wheel for pottery long before transportation.