squirrel cage

[skwur-uhl keyj, skwuhr-uhl]

noun

1. hamster wheel.

2. a cage containing a hamster wheel.

squirrel cage

noun

1. a cage consisting of a cylindrical framework that is made to rotate by a small animal running inside the framework

2. a repetitive purposeless task, way of life, etc

3. Also called: squirrel-cage motor. electrical engineering the rotor of an induction motor with a cylindrical winding having copper bars around the periphery parallel to the axis

4. an electric fan with many long narrow blades arranged in parallel so as to form a cylinder about an axis around which they spin

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirrel cage¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The trick, Anne said, is opening the squirrel cages to put in food without the squirrels getting out.

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A squirrel cage provides nesting areas resembling Georgian town houses, along with a pet running wheel attached to mechanical figures who come to life when it turns.

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The ends are secured in flanges like the wires of a squirrel cage.

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The world whirls like a wheel in a squirrel cage which we all tread:––only to find ourselves together after travelling many, many miles at top speed!...

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It is the girl whirled around in a squirrel cage of pointless weekly and Sunday engagements who is oppressed and mastered by her lack of freedom.

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