rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryspokeRadial rod
noun

spoke

SPOHK/spˈoʊk/

A rod extending outward from a central point, as in a wheel.

Each wooden spoke connects the wagon wheel's central hub to its outer rim.

An isolated wooden wagon wheel viewed almost straight on, with clearly separated wooden rods radiating from its central hub to its outer rim.
Etymology
spokeOld Englishwheel spoke, radius

Old English spaca already named a wheel's radial support. That concrete bar running outward from a hub remains central to the meaning, while the word also extended to ladder rungs.

In context

Global Cycling Network2:12
how the wheel has been laced so it could be three cross meaning that the spoke crosses three other spokes on its way from the hub to the rim
How To Replace A Broken Spoke | Fix Your Road Bike With GCN

More examples

  • The mechanic tightened several spokes.
  • One wooden spoke had split near the hub.
  • The umbrella's metal spokes folded inward.

Forms

spoke · spokes

Similar words

strut
A support that need not extend from a central hub.
rib
A curved support, such as part of an umbrella frame.