1.
potter's wheel
A rotating disc used by potters to shape clay. As the disc spins, the potter uses their hands and tools to pull the clay upward into a symmetrical vessel.
2.
woodturning lathe
A machine that rotates a piece of wood on a horizontal axis so that a chisel or blade held against it can shape it into bowls, handles, or other round objects.
An old word of uncertain origin — the kanji 轆轤 are used ateji-style to write a borrowed or native word for "rotating device." The word is often written in hiragana (ろくろ) because the kanji are considered difficult and are outside the standard list. It refers to any of several traditional rotating tools; the two most common meanings are the potter's wheel and the woodworking lathe.
Common collocations
- 轆轤を回す: to turn a potter's wheel (or lathe)
- 轆轤に向かう: to sit down at the potter's wheel; to work at the lathe
- 電動轆轤: electric potter's wheel
- 足踏み轆轤: kick wheel (foot-operated potter's wheel)
- 轆轤挽き: turning on a lathe; wheel-throwing
Related words
Usage
Because the kanji are quite obscure, you will most often encounter the word written as ろくろ, especially on signs at pottery classes or in magazine articles about traditional crafts. Sense 1 (the potter's wheel) is the most common modern meaning. The same word historically also named a rotating crane or winch, though that usage has faded.
Related Words
Related:
陶芸 (ceramic art)
Related:
粘土 (clay)
Related:
焼き物 (pottery)
Related:
木工 (woodworking)
Related:
職人 (craftsman)