A waterwheel or similar mechanical device used for raising water, especially in ancient Egypt and the Middle East.
From Arabic 'ʿ-based term possibly related to Egyptian implements. The word entered European languages through medieval Arabic and Greek contact, describing irrigation technology.
The ancient Egyptians were engineering geniuses—they used wheels called eccas to lift water from the Nile to irrigate their fields, and this tech was so good it's still used in some places today!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.