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Paddlewheel - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A paddlewheel is a large wheel with flat blades around its rim, used to propel boats by rotating in water. It is commonly seen on steamboats and river vessels.

paddlewheel

/ˈpædəlˌwil/ /ˈpædəlˌwiːl/

Definition:

A wheel with paddles used to propel a boat by rotating in water.

Synonyms:

paddle steamer, waterwheel, sternwheel

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

anchor, sail

Common Collocations:

riverboat paddlewheel, steam-powered paddlewheel, rotating paddlewheel

Derivatives:

paddlewheeler, paddlewheeled

Usage Tips:

Use "paddlewheel" to describe the rotating mechanism on historic steamboats or watercraft.

Common Phrases:

paddlewheel boat, paddlewheel steamer, paddlewheel propulsion

Etymology:

Derived from "paddle" (blade) + "wheel," first used in early 19th-century steamboat technology.

Examples:

  • 1. The paddlewheel churned the water as the boat moved forward.
  • 2. Children watched the paddlewheel spin on the old riverboat.
  • 3. The steam engine powered the massive wooden paddlewheel efficiently.
  • 4. Tourists admired the ornate design of the ship’s paddlewheel.

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