Catherine wheel

noun

1. a firework that revolves on a pin, making a wheel of fire or sparks; pinwheel.
2. wheel window.

Catherine wheel

noun

1. Also calledpinwheel a type of firework consisting of a powder-filled spiral tube, mounted with a pin through its centre. When lit it rotates quickly, producing a display of sparks and coloured flame
2. a circular window having ribs radiating from the centre

Word History and Origins

Origin of Catherine wheel¹

1175–1225; Middle English; named after St. Catherine of Alexandria, from wheel used to torture her

Word History and Origins

Origin of Catherine wheel¹

C16: named after St Catherine of Alexandria