cartwheel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an acrobatic movement in which the body turns sideways through an inverted position with the arms and legs extended

   The gymnast finished her routine with a cartwheel across the mat.

2. 2
   noun

   a wheel of a cart, traditionally with wooden spokes and a metal rim

   One cartwheel struck a stone and jolted the passengers.

3. 3
   verb

   to move or turn like someone performing a cartwheel

   The dancer began to cartwheel across the stage.

A compound of cart + wheel. The gymnastic sense arose from the resemblance of the outstretched arms and legs to the spokes of a turning cart wheel; the verb developed from that acrobatic noun.

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