also: そとわ
noun
outer ring; external ring
General term for the outermost ring-shaped part of an object, such as a bearing, gear, or mechanical assembly.
ベアリングの外輪が摩耗している。
The outer ring of the bearing is worn.
noun
rim (of a wheel); paddle wheel
Only with reading がいりん
Specifically the rim of a wheel; also used for a paddle wheel (外車) in some contexts. The paddle wheel sense is less common and may be encountered in historical or mechanical descriptions.
自転車の外輪がパンクした。
The bicycle's rim got a flat.
外輪船は外輪で水をかいて進む。
A paddle steamer moves by paddling water with its paddle wheels.
noun
out-toe walking; duck-footed walking
Only with reading そとわ
Walking with the feet turned outward; opposite of 内輪 (うちわ). This reading そとわ is rare and mainly used in medical or anatomical contexts.
See also: 内輪 (うちわ)
そとわ歩行は、つま先が外側を向く歩き方です。
Out-toe walking is a gait where the toes point outward.
Compound of 外 (outside) and 輪 (ring/wheel). The reading がいりん is the standard on'yomi, while そとわ is a rare kun'yomi reading used only for the out-toe walking sense.