rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynaveWheel hub
noun

nave

The central part of a wheel through which the axle passes.

The axle passes through the nave of the wooden wheel.

Etymology
naveOld Englishhub

The Old English word already named the hub of a wheel. This mechanical word has a separate history from nave meaning the central part of a church.

More examples

  • The wheelwright examines a crack in the nave.
  • Spokes radiate outward from the nave.
  • The museum label identifies the central hub as the nave.

Forms

nave · naves

Similar words

hub
The usual modern name for the center of a wheel.
axle
An axle passes through and supports a wheel; the nave is the wheel’s central hub around it.