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

Example Sentences

At the top, a jagged, broken form recalls the razor-sharp spokes of a Catherine wheel, a notorious public torture device common to medieval Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

The lead cop’s full name is Catherine Wheel, a medieval torture device, and she has instant recall of a Latin motto: “Let the good of the people be the highest law.”

From Los Angeles Times

Set to Carl Orff’s dramatic score, the production includes a giant moving Catherine wheel and a live chorus seated on a floating platform above the stage.

From Seattle Times

Musician David Byrne, with whom she worked on an earlier show, “The Catherine Wheel” in 1981, felt the same.

From Washington Times

Musician David Byrne, with whom she worked on an earlier show, “The Catherine Wheel” in 1981, felt the same.

From Seattle Times