water wheel - a wheel that rotates by direct action of water; a simple turbinebucket, pail - a roughly cylindrical that is vessel open at the top millwheel - water wheel that is used to drive machinery in a mill noria - a water wheel with buckets attached to the rim; used to raise water for transfer to an irrigation channel wheel - a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines) |