ˈfly-ˈwheel
[f. fly n.2 + wheel.]
A wheel with a heavy rim, attached to a revolving shaft, in order either to regulate the motion of the machinery, or to accumulate power. (Cf. fly n.2 5 c.) Also attrib. and Comb.
| [1782 Watt Patent in Muirhead Mech. Invent. Watt III. 71 The heavy fly xx is put in motion by means of a pinion or smaller wheel y fixed upon its axis.] 1784 Ibid. 105 The rod E..turns the fly wheel M M. 1809 Edin. Rev. Jan. 321 This engine had no fly-wheel, and went sluggishly and irregularly. 1862 Smiles Engineers III. 89 The engine was provided with..a flywheel working at one side to carry the crank over the dead points. 1896 Daily News 18 Nov. 7/7 The great problem was to get the required fly-wheel effect without too great a weight. 1909 Westm. Gaz. 30 Nov. 5/2 The flywheel effect is increased owing to the kinetic energy of the mass of the revolving liquid medium. 1963 Bird & Hutton-Stott Veteran Motor Car 123 The flywheel-fed splash lubrication. 1971 Flying Apr. 72/2 The weight of the fuel at the wingtips created a ‘flywheel effect’. |
| fig. 1876 T. Hardy Hand Ethelb. (1890) 106 A steadying power..a flywheel, in short, to the concern. |