Word Study
catherine wheel
CIDE DICTIONARY
catherine wheel, [So called from St. Catherine of Alexandria, who is represented with a wheel, in allusion to her martyrdom.].
- A revolving piece of fireworks resembling in form the window of the same name. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
catherine wheel, n.
1 a firework in the form of a flat coil which spins when fixed and lit.
2 a circular window with radial divisions.
1 a firework in the form of a flat coil which spins when fixed and lit.
2 a circular window with radial divisions.
Etymology
mod.L Catharina f. Gk Aikaterina name of a saint martyred on a spiked wheel
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