Noun | 1. | wheel - a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines) |
2. | wheel - a handwheel that is used for steering Synonyms: steering wheel | |
3. | wheel - a circular helm to control the rudder of a vessel | |
4. | ![]() Synonyms: roulette wheel | |
5. | wheel - an instrument of torture that stretches or disjoints or mutilates victims Synonyms: rack | |
6. | ![]() | |
Verb | 1. | wheel - change directions as if revolving on a pivot; "They wheeled their horses around and left" Synonyms: wheel around |
2. | wheel - wheel somebody or something Synonyms: wheel around | |
3. | wheel - move along on or as if on wheels or a wheeled vehicle; "The President's convoy rolled past the crowds" Synonyms: roll | |
4. | wheel - ride a bicycle |
WHEEL. The punishment of the wheel was formerly to put a criminal on a wheel, and then to break his bones until he expired. This barbarous punishment was never used in the United States, and it has been abolished in almost every civilized country.
wheel - [slang "big wheel" for a powerful person] A person who has an active wheel bit. "We need to find a wheel to unwedge the hung tape drives." (See wedged). |