catherine-wheel

A child turns catherine-wheels on the grass.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A firework: "catherine-wheel" refers to a type of firework that spins rapidly when ignited, producing a circular pattern of sparks and flames.
   • A circular window: In architecture, "catherine-wheel" denotes a rose window or a wheel-shaped window, often found in churches.
   • A gymnastic movement: In acrobatics, "catherine-wheel" describes a sideways somersault or cartwheel, where the body rotates like a wheel.

Usage Examples

• As a firework:

  • The children watched the catherine-wheel spin brightly in the garden. (The firework rotated and emitted sparks in a circle.)

• As a window:

  • The cathedral's catherine-wheel window depicted scenes from the Bible. (The circular, wheel-shaped window was decorated with religious imagery.)

• As a gymnastic movement:

  • She performed a perfect catherine-wheel across the gym floor. (She executed a cartwheel, rotating sideways with arms and legs extended.)

Advanced Usage

• "to turn catherine-wheels": to perform cartwheels repeatedly.

  • The acrobat turned catherine-wheels across the stage. (She executed a series of cartwheels.)

• "catherine-wheel effect": a visual or physical phenomenon resembling a spinning wheel, such as in fireworks or light displays.

  • The fireworks show ended with a stunning catherine-wheel effect. (The final display featured a spinning, circular burst of light.)

Variants and Related Words

• Catherine wheel (n): alternative spelling (often used without a hyphen).

  • The festival featured a giant Catherine wheel. (A large, spinning firework.)

• Cartwheel (n): a gymnastic movement similar to a catherine-wheel, but typically performed forward or backward.

  • He did a cartwheel on the grass. (He rotated sideways, similar to a catherine-wheel.)

Synonyms

• Firework: sparkler, pinwheel (a type of spinning firework).
• Gymnastic movement: cartwheel, somersault.

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "catherine-wheel".

Related Idioms

• "Like a catherine-wheel": used to describe something that spins or rotates rapidly.
  • The dancer spun like a catherine-wheel across the stage. (She rotated quickly and gracefully.)