wheel
- noun
- /wiːl/
- Specialized
- The software package is available in a wheel format, making installation quick and easy.
Examples
-
When I told the sales help I needed hockey wheels, they asked me for hardness and circumference numbers.
Academic text (1999) -
A potentiometer monitored the angular position of the wheel, transducer, and handrim assembly.
Academic text (2001) -
After discussion, the class can be divided into teams to begin their future-wheel assessment process.
Academic text (2008) -
Did you know the potter's wheel was invented on this island?
Fiction book (1994) -
Spaces for working on computers: flip-top tables on wheels with electrical outlets.
Academic text (2015) -
To install the latest version of the app, download the corresponding wheel file from the repository.
-
Developers often prefer using a wheel distribution because it avoids the need to compile from source.
Idioms
- Informal
To spend time making something that already exists instead of using it
- Informal
An action much stronger than needed against something small and harmless
- Informal
To work hard and continue when things are difficult
- Informal
To begin working very hard and not give up on a difficult task
Compounds
- Specialized
A system that powers all four wheels for better grip on rough or slippery ground
A round spinning wheel with numbered slots used for bets in the game of roulette
- Specialized
A small wheel in a watch or clock that swings against a thin spring to keep accurate time
- Archaic
A large round device with boards around its edge that turns to move a boat
- Specialized
A round wheel of rough material that you use to sharpen or shape metal
- Specialized
A small circle on the screen that spins to show the computer is busy
- Specialized
A wheel on a vehicle that gets power from the engine and moves the vehicle
- Specialized
A wheel with teeth in a mechanical clock or watch that controls how the gears move
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits together with another wheel to move parts or change speed
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits another to change speed or direction
- Specialized
A wheel that presses on a belt to guide and keep it tight without powering the belt
- Specialized
A thin wheel with teeth that a chain fits on to turn parts like on a bicycle
- Specialized
A wheel with straight teeth that fit another wheel to send power between parallel shafts
- Specialized
A large North American insect with a wheel-shaped crest that eats other insects
- Specialized
A simple machine with a round part turning around a bar to lift things
- Australian
An eastern Australian tree with shiny leaves and round clusters of bright red or orange flowers that gives shade
- Specialized
A gear that fits with a screw-shaped gear to turn movement at a right angle
Surface Forms
Etymology
A helpful way to remember the computer sense of wheel (file .whl) is to think of a ready-made wheel you can fit on a car — it is a pre-built package you can install without building from source.