squirrel cage

American  

[skwur-uhl keyj, skwuhr-uhl] / ˈskwɜr əl ˌkeɪdʒ, ˈskwʌr əl /

noun

1. hamster wheel.

2. a cage containing a hamster wheel.

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squirrel cage British  

noun

1. a cage consisting of a cylindrical framework that is made to rotate by a small animal running inside the framework

2. a repetitive purposeless task, way of life, etc

3. Also called: squirrel-cage motor.  electrical engineering the rotor of an induction motor with a cylindrical winding having copper bars around the periphery parallel to the axis

4. an electric fan with many long narrow blades arranged in parallel so as to form a cylinder about an axis around which they spin

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Etymology

Origin of squirrel cage

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The attainment of Nirvana allows us finally to step away from what one writer called "the squirrel cage of birth and rebirth" and enter into oneness with the cosmos.

From Time Magazine Archive

The animal is placed inside a big squirrel cage which revolves when the creature runs.

From Time Magazine Archive

As soon as the elf came into the stone-paved yard, he ran right up to the squirrel cage.

From The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Howard, Velma Swanston

He was in such a hurry that it seemed to her as though his feet hardly touched the ground; and he rushed right up to the squirrel cage.

From The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Howard, Velma Swanston

Of course, on the other hand-- But what was the use of running around in a squirrel cage!

From The Precipice by Peattie, Elia Wilkinson