Paddlewheels

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of boat propulsion system that utilizes large wheels with paddles attached, turning in the water to move the vessel forward
2. Mechanical devices designed for propulsion, consisting of circular wheels equipped with blades that push against the water for movement
3. Structures commonly found on riverboats or barges, where the rotating paddle wheels create thrust to navigate through water effectively

Etymology: "Paddlewheels" is simply the plural of "paddlewheel," so its history is that of the singular. A paddlewheel is a wheel fitted around its rim with flat boards, or paddles, that dip into the water and push against it as the wheel turns, driving a vessel forward. The word is a compound of "paddle" and "wheel," two plain English words put together to name a device whose function is visible in its name: a wheel that works by means of paddles. Its pieces are old, and the combination describes the mechanism directly rather than borrowing a term from another language.

Synonyms: propellers, oars