STERNWHEELER Meaning and
Definition
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A sternwheeler refers to a type of waterborne vessel, typically a boat or a ship, equipped with one or more paddlewheels mounted at the rear or stern. The term "sternwheeler" derives from the implementation of paddlewheels at the stern, which differentiate these vessels from side-wheelers that have paddlewheels mounted on the sides. The paddlewheel of a sternwheeler is a large waterwheel that consists of multiple wooden or metal paddles or blades fixed around its circumference. These paddles are oriented horizontally, parallel to the water's surface.
Sternwheelers were commonly used during the late 18th and early 19th centuries for various purposes such as transportation, especially in regions with shallow waterways including rivers and lakes. These vessels proved particularly efficient in navigating those shallow waters due to the placement of the paddlewheel at the stern. By propelling the vessel through the water, the paddlewheel provided the required propulsion, driving the sternwheeler forward or backward depending on the direction in which the paddles were turned.
The sternwheeler represented a significant technological advancement in maritime transportation as it minimized the risk of grounding in shallow areas and enabled more efficient navigation. Furthermore, it allowed for increased cargo capacity due to the absence of side wheels interfering with cargo space, thereby making sternwheelers popular for freight transport. Although their use has diminished over time with the advent of more advanced propulsion technologies, some sternwheelers have been preserved as historical artifacts and continue to serve as tourist attractions or pleasure boats.
Common Misspellings for STERNWHEELER
- aternwheeler
- zternwheeler
- xternwheeler
- dternwheeler
- eternwheeler
- wternwheeler
- srernwheeler
- sfernwheeler
- sgernwheeler
- syernwheeler
- s6ernwheeler
- s5ernwheeler
- stwrnwheeler
- stsrnwheeler
- stdrnwheeler
- strrnwheeler
- st4rnwheeler
- st3rnwheeler
- steenwheeler
Etymology of STERNWHEELER
The etymology of the word "sternwheeler" can be broken down as follows:
1. Stern: Comes from the Old English word "stierne", which means "the back part of a ship, or the hind part of anything". It has a Germanic origin, related to the Middle Dutch word "sterne" with the same meaning.
2. Wheeler: Derived from the Middle English word "wheler", which means "one who wheels or turns". It comes from the Old English word "hwēolere" (wheeler), related to "hwēol" (wheel) and "weallan" (to roll).
When combined, "stern" and "wheeler" describe a type of boat or ship that has a paddlewheel located at the rear (stern) that propels and steers the vessel.
Similar spelling words for STERNWHEELER
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