paddle wheel

noun
1.
a wheel for propelling a ship, having a number of paddles entering the water more or less perpendicularly.
Origin
1675-85
Related forms
paddle-wheel, adjective
Examples from the web for paddle wheel
  • In the simplest form, the paddle wheel blade is pushing on the water.
  • To accommodate the side barges, the paddle wheel was moved to the stern of the boat.
  • Because the fleshy prawn has migration habit, water flow should be maintained using paddle wheel aerators.
  • Later vessels were of the propeller type rather than paddle wheel, and had deeper drafts and were more enclosed.
  • The reciprocating engine has a piston that slides within a cylinder and is attached by means of a rod to a paddle wheel.
  • To eliminate drag and increase power-harnessing ability, the paddles flip on their way back around the paddle wheel.
British Dictionary definitions for paddle wheel

paddle wheel

noun
1.
a large wheel fitted with paddles, turned by an engine to propel a vessel on the water
Encyclopedia Article for paddle wheel

method of ship propulsion that was once widely employed but is now almost entirely superseded by the screw propeller. Early experiments with steam-driven paddles acting as oars led several inventors, including Robert Fulton, to mount the paddles in a wheel form, either at the stern or at the sides of the vessel.

Learn more about paddle wheel with a free trial on Britannica.com