water wheel
A 'water wheel' is an ancient device used to convert the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical power, often for industrial or agricultural purposes.
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Definition
B2General
(historical, technical)A wheel turned by flowing or falling water, used to generate power or perform tasks such as grinding grain or pumping water.
Example
- The old mill by the river still has a functioning water wheel.
- Water wheels were commonly used in ancient and medieval industries.
C1Hydraulics
(technical)A mechanical device that converts the kinetic energy of water into rotational energy to drive machinery.
Example
- The water wheel's rotation is used to power the millstone for grinding wheat.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "water wheel":
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