| fifth wheel n. 1. a. A wheel or portion of a wheel placed horizontally over the forward axle of a carriage to provide support and stability during turns. b. A similar device over the rear axle or axles of a tractor or pickup truck, serving as a coupling for a semitrailer. 2. An additional wheel carried on a four-wheeled vehicle as a spare. 3. An extra and unnecessary person or thing. |
fifth wheel
n
1. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) a spare wheel for a four-wheeled vehicle
2. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering)
a. the coupling table of an articulated vehicle
b. a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn vehicle to rotate relative to the body
3. a superfluous or unnecessary person or thing
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  fifth wheel - someone or something that is unwanted and unneededredundance, redundancy - the attribute of being superfluous and unneeded; "the use of industrial robots created redundancy among workers" |
| 2. | fifth wheel - an extra car wheel and tire for a four-wheel vehicle car wheel - a wheel that has a tire and rim and hubcap; used to propel the car | |
| 3. | fifth wheel - a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn wagon to rotate bearing - a rotating support placed between moving parts to allow them to move easily |
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