Archimedes' screw

or Archimedean screw

noun

1. a device consisting essentially of a spiral passage within an inclined cylinder for raising water to a height when rotated.

Archimedes' screw

/ ˌɑːkɪˈmiːdɪən, -mɪˈdiːən /

noun

1. an ancient type of water-lifting device making use of a spiral passage in an inclined cylinder. The water is raised when the spiral is rotated

Word History and Origins

Origin of Archimedes' screw¹

First recorded in 1860–65