What does rowel mean?
A rowel is a small, spoked wheel forming part of a larger wheel, such as the wheel of a cart or carriage. The word can also denote the rotating wheel at the end of a spur, especially the pointed rowel of a riding spur. In machinery, a rowel is distinguished from the rim and axle of a larger wheel: it consists of the hub and the spokes radiating from it. In equestrian equipment, the rowel projects beyond the spur's arm and can catch against the rider's boot. Although the word is relatively uncommon in general conversation, it remains useful when discussing wheel construction, historical transport, or the design of horse-riding gear. Its technical meaning and its specialized association with spurs make it more precise than the general word “wheel.”
nounA rowel is a small, spoked wheel forming part of a larger wheel, especially a wheel of a cart or carriage. The term also refers to the rotating wheel at the end of a spur, whose points engage with the rider's boot.
- A small wheel with spokes forming part of a larger wheel, especially on a cart or carriage.
- The rotating, usually pointed wheel at the end of a spur.
"He checked the rowel for damage before setting the cart in motion."
"The wheel's rowel turned smoothly as the bicycle gathered speed."
"The riding spur clicked softly as its rowel turned against the boot."
The plural is rowels, as in “The mechanic replaced both rowels.”
"Several polished rowels were displayed on the wall."
A cowboy's spur may look like a small wheel, but its pointed rowel is designed to catch the rider's boot and signal the horse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rowel come from?
Rowel comes through French from rouelle, a diminutive of roue, meaning “wheel,” which ultimately derives from Latin rota. The French word originally referred to a small wheel, especially a wheel of a mill or vehicle. English borrowed it for mechanical wheel components and later also applied it to the rotating part of a spur. The same Latin root is reflected in English words such as rotate, rotation, and rotary, as well as French-derived roulette.
How rowel is actually used
The word is chiefly used in mechanical, carriage, and equestrian contexts. It is uncommon in everyday speech and is more familiar to readers of historical or technical writing.
Easily confused with rowel
A rowel is a small spoked wheel or the rotating part of a spur, whereas a row is a line, rank, or an argument.