English

Noun

sternwheel ‎(plural sternwheels)

1. (nautical) A paddle wheel positioned at the stern of a vessel
   • 1899, Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, section 2

     The current was more rapid now, the steamer seemed at her last gasp, the stern–wheel flopped languidly, and I caught myself listening on tiptoe for the next beat of the boat, for in sober truth I expected the wretched thing to give up every moment.

Related terms

• sternwheeler

See also

• sidewheel