KICKWHEEL Meaning and
Definition
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A kickwheel is a type of pottery wheel that is powered solely by the potter's foot, enabling them to create various ceramic objects. Historically, kickwheels have been widely utilized by potters for centuries before the invention of motorized wheels. The word "kick" is derived from the action of the potter using their foot to operate the wheel, and "wheel" refers to the circular platform on which the clay is placed and spun.
Typically, a kickwheel consists of a heavy wooden or metal frame upon which the wheelhead is mounted. The wheelhead contains a flat circular surface where the clay is centered and shaped. The potter sits or stands beside the kickwheel and uses their foot to repeatedly kick a weighted flywheel located beneath the wheelhead. This action sets the wheelhead into rotation, allowing the potter to manipulate the clay smoothly and spin it in any desired direction.
Kickwheels offer an organic and tactile experience for potters, as they rely on direct physical force to operate. This allows for a closer connection to the creative process and creates an opportunity to fine-tune the wheel's speed and control. Kickwheels are often favored for their simplicity, durability, and low maintenance requirements compared to their motorized counterparts.
Although kickwheels are less common in contemporary pottery studios due to the advent of electric wheels, they continue to be valued by traditional and skilled potters who appreciate the unique relationship and sensitivity that can be achieved with the clay through the hands-on process.
Common Misspellings for KICKWHEEL
- jickwheel
- mickwheel
- lickwheel
- oickwheel
- iickwheel
- kuckwheel
- kjckwheel
- kkckwheel
- kockwheel
- k9ckwheel
- k8ckwheel
- kixkwheel
- kivkwheel
- kifkwheel
- kidkwheel
- kicjwheel
- kicmwheel
- kiclwheel
- kicowheel
- kiciwheel
Etymology of KICKWHEEL
The term "kickwheel" is derived from the combination of two words: "kick" and "wheel".
The word "kick" comes from Middle English "kicken", which means to strike or hit with the foot. It has origins in Old Norse "kikna", which refers to bending or collapsing. Over time, "kick" has evolved to describe the action of forcefully hitting or propelling something by using the foot.
The word "wheel" is derived from Old English "hweol", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwehwlaz". It ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*k(w)eklo-", meaning to go around. "Wheel" refers to a circular object that rotates around an axis.
Combining these two terms, "kickwheel" describes a specific type of pottery wheel.
