Pelton wheel

noun

Pel·​ton wheel
ˈpeltᵊn also -tən-
: an impulse turbine or waterwheel consisting of a row of double cup-shaped buckets arranged around the rim of a wheel and actuated by one or more jets of water playing into the cups at high velocity

Word History

Etymology

after Lester Allen Pelton †1908 American engineer who invented it

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Pelton wheel

Cite this Entry

“Pelton wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pelton%20wheel. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!