Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
A problem in starting or running a locomotive or train, where excess power supplied to the driven wheels causes them to turn against the rail, especially when the rails are slippery, without moving the train forward.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Topics: rail-transport, railways, transport
Synonyms: wheelspin
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: slip
History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kwel- Proto-Indo-European *kwekwléh2 Proto-Germanic *hweulō Old English hwēol Middle English whel English wheel Proto-West Germanic *slippjander. Old Saxon *slippiander. Middle Low German slippender.? Middle English slippen English slip English wheelslip From wheel + slip.
