Reisenrad

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Ferris wheel \Fer"ris wheel\
     An amusement device consisting of a giant power-driven
     vertically oriented steel wheel, revolvable on its horizontal
     stationary axle, and carrying a number of balanced passenger
     cars or open seats around its rim; the seats are suspended so
     as to remain horizontal as the wheel rotates, and, depending


     on the size of the wheel, the passengers when they reach the
     top may have a grand vista of the surrounding area; -- so
     called after G. W. G. Ferris, American engineer, who erected
     the first of its kind for the World's Columbian Exposition in
     Chicago in 1893.
  
     Note: Ferris wheels are often found at traveling fairs and at
           permanent amusement parks. The {Reisenrad} in Vienna is
           one of the world's largest and most famous Ferris
           wheels.
           [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]