squirrel-cage \ˈ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷)ˌ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology:squirrel cage 1.: consisting of or equipped with an induction motor squirrel cage < squirrel-cage rotor > < squirrel-cage motor > 2.: endlessly and ploddingly repetitive : constantly returning upon itself in the manner of a treadmill < most of the talk and writing on human nature represents only squirrel-cage thinking — C.D.Dam >