waterwheel

/ˈwɔtərˌwil/

Other forms: waterwheels

A waterwheel is an old-fashioned machine that harnesses the energy of falling water. The power generated by a waterwheel was once commonly used in gristmills, where grain is ground into flour.

Most waterwheels are large wooden circles sitting upright like a Ferris wheel. Buckets or blades around the wheel catch the water from a river or pond, and the wheel turns as the water flows from blade to blade. The rotation of the waterwheel is what generates the energy. After the invention of turbines in the 19th century, most waterwheels became obsolete. At one time, though, they powered mines, wood pulp mills, and much more.

Definitions of waterwheel

1. noun

   a wheel that rotates by direct action of water; a simple turbine
   synonyms: water wheel

   types:

   mill wheel, millwheel

   water wheel that is used to drive machinery in a mill

   noria

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

   type of:

   wheel

   a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
2. noun

   a wheel with buckets attached to its rim; raises water from a stream or pond
   synonyms: water wheel

   type of:

   wheel

   a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)