OVERSHOT WHEEL Meaning and
Definition
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An "overshot wheel" refers to a type of water wheel used in various mechanical applications, particularly during the industrial revolution. It is designed to harness the power of flowing or falling water to produce rotary motion. The primary characteristic of an overshot wheel is that water is directed onto the wheel's topmost part, typically by means of a channel or chute called the "headrace". The water strikes the buckets or blades installed around the wheel's periphery, thereby causing it to rotate.
The name "overshot" derives from the fact that the water flows onto the wheel from above, allowing gravity to maximize the energy transfer to the wheel. This distinct feature distinguishes the overshot wheel from other types, such as the undershot or breast wheel, which are driven by the water's force at lower levels.
The design of an overshot wheel enables it to efficiently harness the energy from falling or cascading water sources. As a result, these wheels are often employed in mills, factories, and other industrial settings to power various machinery, such as grinding stones, saws, or textile looms. Modern iterations of overshot wheels also find applications in hydroelectric power generation and as aesthetically pleasing decorative elements in gardens or water features.
Common Misspellings for OVERSHOT WHEEL
- overshot wheeh
- overshot wheen
- overshot wheem
- overshotwheal
- overshoetwheel
- o vershot wheel
- ov ershot wheel
- ove rshot wheel
- over shot wheel
- overs hot wheel
- oversh ot wheel
- oversho t wheel
- overshot w heel
- overshot wh eel
- overshot whe el
- overshot whee l
Etymology of OVERSHOT WHEEL
The word "overshot wheel" is a combination of two terms: "overshot" and "wheel".
The term "overshot" refers to the way in which the wheel is powered by water. In particular, an "overshot wheel" is a type of waterwheel that is driven by water flowing over its upper rim, causing it to rotate. The adjective "overshot" is derived from "over" and "shot". In this context, "over" represents the water flowing over the top of the wheel, while "shot" refers to the force or power of the water.
The term "wheel" simply refers to a circular device that rotates on an axis. In the case of an "overshot wheel", it specifically refers to the circular mechanism that is turned by the force of the water flowing over it.
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