axel

ax-el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A jump in figure skating in which the skater takes off from the forward outside edge of one skate, rotates one and a half times (or more) in the air, and lands on the back outside edge of the other skate.

Forms

plural: axels

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    triple axel — An axel jump with 3.5 rotations, extremely difficult.
  • •
    land an axel — To successfully complete the jump.

Related words

See also: jump, lutz, salchow, skating

Etymology

Named after Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen (1855-1938), who first performed this jump in 1882.