Pronunciation: [pˈadə͡l wˈiːl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "paddle wheel" in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈpædəl wiːl/. The word consists of two syllables, with the emphasis on the first syllable "pad." The "a" sound in the word is pronounced as the short vowel /æ/, and the "e" in "wheel" is pronounced as the long vowel /iː/. "Paddle wheel" refers to a water wheel that uses paddles to generate power, often seen in steamboats and riverboats.
A paddle wheel is a mechanical device consisting of a circular framework with a series of paddles or blades mounted on its circumference. The paddle wheel is horizontally positioned and typically submerged in water, allowing it to rotate when acted upon by a current or a turning force. It is commonly used to propel watercraft through the water or to provide power for various industrial applications.
The paddles or blades of a paddle wheel are designed to catch the water or other fluid medium and push against it, creating a propulsion force that propels the device forward. The size, number, and shape of the paddles can vary depending on the intended purpose and the desired efficiency of the paddle wheel. In some cases, the paddle wheel may be enclosed in a housing to further enhance its performance and protect it from water or other debris.
Paddle wheels have been used for centuries as a means of propulsion for boats, particularly steamboats, where the rotation of the wheel was driven by a steam engine. They were widely popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries but have since been largely replaced by more efficient propellers.
In industrial settings, paddle wheels are employed in applications such as water mills, water pumps, and water treatment systems where a constant flow of water is necessary. The rotational motion of the paddle wheel is harnessed to drive machinery or create a force that can be utilized for various purposes.
The wheel of a steamboat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "paddle wheel" is composed of two separate terms, "paddle" and "wheel".
The term "paddle" can be traced back to the Middle English word "padel", which derived from the Old English word "padda". It initially referred to a small spade or shovel-like instrument used for mixing or scooping. Over time, "paddle" came to encompass various objects with a flattened or broad end, such as an oar or a board for propelling a boat.
On the other hand, "wheel" is derived from the Old English word "hweol", which originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*hwehwlanan". It referred to a circular object that rotates on an axle and is used for transportation or as a mechanical device.
