Definition

1. Noun:
   • A water wheel with buckets attached to its rim: A mechanical device used to lift water from a lower level, such as a river or well, to a higher level for purposes like irrigation or water supply. The buckets dip into the water source, are lifted by the rotation of the wheel, and empty their contents at the top into a channel or trough.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient noria, powered by the river's current, provided water for the entire village.
  • Farmers in the region still use a traditional noria to irrigate their fields.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Technological Context: The term "noria" often refers specifically to water-lifting wheels that are powered by the flow of the water itself (current-driven), as opposed to those turned by animals or other means. It is a technology with ancient origins, notably used in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterwheel (n): A more general term for a wheel that uses flowing or falling water to produce power or, conversely, is powered to lift water. A noria is a specific type of waterwheel designed for water lifting.
• Sakia or Saquia (n): A similar water-lifting device, but typically one that is animal-powered rather than current-driven.

Synonyms

• Water-lifting wheel
• Bucket wheel

Related Phrases

• Noria system: Refers to the entire setup involving the wheel and its associated channels for water distribution.
  • The efficiency of the noria system sustained agriculture in the arid landscape.

Noun

1. a water wheel with buckets attached to the rim; used to raise water for transfer to an irrigation channel