From Middle English axeltre or axiltre, ultimately joining the ideas of an axle and a tree or beam, with Old Norse and Old Icelandic relatives. Merriam-Webster records the word from the 14th century.
From Middle English axeltre or axiltre, ultimately joining the ideas of an axle and a tree or beam, with Old Norse and Old Icelandic relatives. Merriam-Webster records the word from the 14th century.
What does axletree mean?
Axletree usually means the crossbar or axle under an older wheeled vehicle, especially a cart, wagon, or carriage.
Is axletree the same as axle?
Axletree can overlap with axle, but it often points to the older crossbar with terminal spindles used on animal-drawn vehicles.
How do you pronounce axletree?
Axletree is pronounced /ˈæksəlˌtriː/, with the stress on the first syllable.
Can axletree be used figuratively?
A rare literary sense uses axletree for a stimulus or driving force, but ordinary prose normally uses impetus, spur, or driving force.
What is the plural of axletree?
The regular plural is axletrees.
Where does axletree come from?
Axletree comes through Middle English and combines the axle idea with tree in its older sense of a beam or piece of timber.