water-wheel

A water-wheel turns slowly in a clear stream beside an old mill.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wheel driven by water: "water-wheel" refers to a large wheel that is turned by the flow of water (e.g., from a river or stream) to generate mechanical power, typically for milling, pumping, or other industrial tasks.
   • A wheel for raising water: It can also denote a wheel designed to lift water from a lower level to a higher one, often used in irrigation or drainage systems.

Usage Examples

• (A wheel turned by water to power a mill.)
• (A wheel for raising water to a higher location.)

Advanced Usage

• "undershot water-wheel": a water-wheel where the water strikes the blades at the bottom of the wheel.

  • The undershot water-wheel was common in fast-flowing streams. (A wheel type where water hits from below.)

• "overshot water-wheel": a water-wheel where water falls onto the blades from above, often more efficient.

  • The overshot water-wheel requires a significant drop in water level. (A wheel type where water hits from above.)

Variants and Related Words

• Waterwheel (n): an alternative spelling without the hyphen, meaning the same device.

  • The museum displayed a restored waterwheel from the 19th century. (The same device, spelled as one word.)

• Water mill (n): a mill that uses a water-wheel for power.

  • The water mill relied on the water-wheel to operate its machinery. (A mill powered by a water-wheel.)

Synonyms

• Hydraulic wheel: a wheel driven by water pressure or flow.
• Mill wheel: a water-wheel specifically used in a mill for grinding.

Related Idioms