FIFTH WHEEL


Meaning of FIFTH WHEEL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ noun ]

Date: circa 1874

1.

a. : a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping

b. : a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer

2. : one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.