Definition

A heavy wheel that spins to help keep a machine running smoothly by reducing changes in speed.

Example

The engineer installed a flywheel to ensure the engine operated steadily without sudden speed changes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a flywheel?

Yeah, I think it's something used in machines, right?

Exactly! It helps to stabilize the speed in various devices.

That’s really interesting; I didn't know it was that important.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Flywheel → The word is formed from "fly" (from Old English *flēogan*, meaning to move through the air) and "wheel" (from Old English *hwēol*, meaning a circular object that revolves). A flywheel is a wheel that moves through the air, typically used to store rotational energy.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'moves through the air' ('fly') and is 'circular' ('wheel') — a flywheel is a circular object that helps store energy.

Visually Confused Words