Cartwheel

Cartwheel is a term with multiple meanings in English. It can denote a gymnastic or dance move, a large historical coin, or the wheel of a cart. The common thread is a circular, wheel-like form or motion.

The word derives from the literal wheel of a cart and reflects its circular, rotating nature.

In gymnastics, a cartwheel is performed from a standing position by placing the hands on the floor one after the other, then rotating the body sideways so that the legs sweep overhead in a wide arc, ending in a lunge on the opposite side. The move requires balance, strength, and precise timing, and is used in many acrobatic, dance, and parkour contexts.

In numismatics, "cartwheel" describes large copper coins produced in Britain during the late 18th century, notably the Cartwheel Penny and Cartwheel Twopence, minted from 1797 to 1799. They earned their nickname for their unusually large diameter and heavy weight, which made them stand out from earlier copper issues.

As a noun for an actual wheel, cartwheel refers to the wheel of a cart or wagon, typically a large wooden wheel with a metal tire. The term can also describe anything wheel-shaped or circular, especially an object used as a decorative disk or emblem, echoing the broad, round form of a wheel.