Water wheel \Wa"ter wheel`\
   1. Any wheel for propelling machinery or for other purposes,
      that is made to rotate by the direct action of water; --
      called an overshot wheel when the water is applied at
      the top, an undershot wheel when at the bottom, a
      breast wheel when at an intermediate point; other forms
      are called reaction wheel, vortex wheel, turbine
      wheel, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The paddle wheel of a steam vessel.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A wheel for raising water; a noria, or the like.
      [1913 Webster]