The English word wheel comes from the Old English word hwēol, from Proto-Germanic * hwehwlaz, from Proto-Indo-European * k wék wlos, an extended form of the root * k wel- 'to revolve, move around'.Ĭognates within Indo-European include Icelandic hjól 'wheel, tyre', Greek κύκλος kúklos, and Sanskrit chakra, the last two both meaning 'circle' or 'wheel'. Using the wheel, Sumerians invented a device that spins clay as a potter shapes it into the desired object. In order for wheels to rotate, a moment needs to be applied to the wheel about its axis, either by way of gravity or by the application of another external force or torque. A wheel reduces friction by facilitating motion by rolling together with the use of axles. Wheels are also used for other purposes, such as a ship's wheel, steering wheel, potter's wheel, and flywheel.Ĭommon examples can be found in transport applications. Wheels, in conjunction with axles, allow heavy objects to be moved easily facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle which is one of the six simple machines. For other uses, see Wheel (disambiguation) and Wheels (disambiguation).Ĭontemporary wheel made of a solid piece of woodĪ wheel is a circular component that is intended to rotate on an axle bearing.
