water wheel vs wheel

water wheel and wheel both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
water wheel	Yes	No	No	No
wheel	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, wheel is a hypernym of water wheel; that is, wheel is a word with a broader meaning than water wheel:

water wheel: a wheel that rotates by direct action of water; a simple turbine
wheel: a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

Other hypernyms of water wheel include hydrokinetic engine.

As nouns, wheel is a hypernym of water wheel; that is, wheel is a word with a broader meaning than water wheel:

water wheel: a wheel with buckets attached to its rim; raises water from a stream or pond
wheel: a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

water wheel (noun)	wheel (noun)
a wheel that rotates by direct action of water; a simple turbine	a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
a wheel with buckets attached to its rim; raises water from a stream or pond	a circular helm to control the rudder of a vessel
	an instrument of torture that stretches or disjoints or mutilates victims
	game equipment consisting of a wheel with slots that is used for gambling; the wheel rotates horizontally and players bet on which slot the roulette ball will stop in
	a handwheel that is used for steering
	a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals
	forces that provide energy and direction

water wheel (verb)	wheel (verb)
	change directions as if revolving on a pivot
	move along on or as if on wheels or a wheeled vehicle
	wheel somebody or something
	ride a bicycle