The term PADDLEWHEEL is a type of WATERWHEEL that uses paddles to capture the energy of moving water and convert it into useful forms of power. It is composed of a large wheel with a number of blades or buckets arranged around the outside edge. The blades are pushed by the force of the water, causing the wheel to rotate. This rotation can be used to drive machinery or generate electricity. Paddlewheels have been used since ancient times and are still in use today in some parts of the world.