paddle wheel

Thân thiện

The paddle wheel turns slowly as the riverboat moves down the calm river.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in order to propel a boat: A paddle wheel is a mechanical device for marine propulsion. It consists of a large circular frame (the wheel) with multiple flat boards (paddles or floats) mounted around its circumference. The wheel is rotated by an engine, causing the paddles to push against the water and drive the vessel forward or backward.

Usage

• The term "paddle wheel" is used to describe this specific propulsion mechanism, typically found on older steamboats, riverboats, and some recreational vessels.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The historic steamboat was powered by a massive, red paddle wheel at its stern.
  • Engineers inspected the damaged paddle wheel before continuing the journey down the river.
  • The boat's design featured a single, centrally mounted paddle wheel.

Advanced Usage

• "Side-wheel paddle steamer": A steamship with a paddle wheel mounted on each side.
  • The side-wheel paddle steamer was a common sight on the Mississippi River in the 19th century.
• "Stern-wheeler": A vessel propelled by a single paddle wheel mounted at the stern (rear).
  • The stern-wheeler churned slowly through the calm water.

Variants and Related Words

• Paddle steamer / Paddleboat (n): A boat or ship propelled by a paddle wheel.
  • We took a ride on a charming old paddle steamer.
• Paddle (n): In this context, one of the broad boards or floats attached to the wheel.
  • One of the wooden paddles on the wheel had splintered.

Synonyms

• Propulsion wheel: A more technical term for a wheel used to drive a vessel forward.
• Water wheel (in a marine context): While typically used for milling, this can sometimes refer generally to a wheel moved by or moving water, though it is not a direct synonym.

Related Phrases

• To be paddle-wheel driven: Describes a vessel powered by this mechanism.
  • The ferry is one of the last commercially operated, paddle-wheel driven boats in the country.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a large wheel fitted with paddles and driven by an engine in order to propel a boat

Từ đồng nghĩa

• paddlewheel