cartwheel
UK[ˈkɑːt.wiːl]US[ˈkɑːrt.wiːl]
n
A large, sideways circular movement of the body where a person turns over by putting their hands on the ground and swinging their legs over their head.
n
The large, spoked wheel of a cart or wagon.
v
To perform a cartwheel.
Morpheme Breakdown
cart
wheel
cart
wheel
Etymology
The word 'cartwheel' is a transparent compound formed from two ancient Germanic nouns. 'Cart' descends from Proto-Germanic krattaz, denoting a basket or wagon, a concept likely linked to woven or framed containers. 'Wheel' traces back to Proto-Indo-European kʷékʷlos, meaning "circle" or "wheel," a pivotal invention for transportation. Literally meaning "the wheel of a cart," the term first described the large, sturdy spoked wheels of agricultural vehicles. By the late 19th century, the acrobatic maneuver was named for its visual resemblance to the rotating motion of such a wheel.
Analysis
Structure: cart + wheel
cart: (Origin: Middle English, from Old Norse kartr or Old English cræt; a vehicle with wheels for carrying loads). Functional role: A noun root specifying the type of object.
wheel: (Origin: Middle English whel, from Old English hwēol; a circular frame that rotates on an axle). Functional role: A noun root specifying the component part.
Examples
The child did a perfect cartwheel on the lawn.
One of the wooden cartwheels had cracked and needed repair.
She was so happy she cartwheeled across the room.