flywheel

[ flahy-hweel, -weel ]

noun

, Machinery.

1. a heavy disk or wheel rotating on a shaft so that its momentum gives almost uniform rotational speed to the shaft and to all connected machinery.

flywheel

/ ˈflaɪˌwiːl /

noun

1. a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smooths the operation of a reciprocating engine by maintaining a constant speed of rotation over the whole cycle

Word History and Origins

Origin of flywheel¹

First recorded in 1775–85; fly ² + wheel

Example Sentences

It builds a bit of a flywheel momentum for these guys.

From BBC

“Until you get that back, it’s going to be hard to restart a positive dynamic flywheel downtown.”

From Los Angeles Times

The government’s argument focuses on the power of data and the notion that the search business is an accelerating flywheel, which becomes an insurmountable barrier to rivals.

From New York Times

Amazon’s “flywheel” is a self-reinforcing cycle: Amazon shoppers attract more sellers; then the increased product selection attracts more shoppers.

From Seattle Times

"We have wages now beating prices, nominal wages growing faster than prices, and that dynamic in our economy creates a pretty persistent flywheel," he said.

From Reuters