The compound noun 'steering-wheel' is a transparent combination of two English elements, both with deep Germanic roots. The first part, 'steering', derives from the Old English verb 'stieran', meaning to guide or direct, which is related to the concept of a rudder. The second part, 'wheel', originates from the Old English 'hwēol', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'kʷekʷlo-', meaning 'to turn' or 'circle'. The term logically and literally describes the circular device ('wheel') used for the action of guiding ('steering') a vehicle, a meaning that coalesced with the advent of automobiles and other mechanically steered conveyances, replacing earlier terms like 'helm' for ships.

Structure: steering (present participle of 'steer') + wheel (circular object) - steering: from Old English 'stieran' (to guide, direct) via Middle English 'steren'. Functional role: verbal noun indicating the action of controlling direction. - wheel: from Old English 'hwēol', from Proto-Germanic 'hwehwlą'. Functional role: noun denoting the circular object used for the action.