catherine wheel

cath·er·ine wheel

C0163800 (kăth′ər-ĭn, kăth′rĭn)n. See pinwheel.

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[After Saint Catherine of Alexandria (died ad 307), who was condemned to be tortured on a wheel.]

Catherine wheel

n 1. Also called: pinwheel 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. (Architecture) a circular window having ribs radiating from the centre [C16: named after St Catherine of Alexandria]

pin•wheel

(ˈpɪnˌʰwil, -ˌwil)

n. 1. a toy consisting of a small wheel with paper or plastic vanes attached by a pin to a stick, designed to revolve when blown. 2. a firework that revolves rapidly on a pin when ignited, making a wheel of fire or sparks; Catherine wheel. v.i. 3. to revolve rapidly like a pinwheel. [1695–1705]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

catherine wheel - a circular firework that spins round and round emitting colored firepinwheelfirework, pyrotechnic - (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.

Translations

girandola