What is "water frame"

Water frame \Wa"ter frame`\ A name given to the first power spinning machine, because driven by water power.

n. The first powered spinning machine, driven by water power.

The water frame is the name given to a water-powered spinning frame which was an easy way to create cotton. The first time the machine was used in 1768 it was able to spin 128 threads at a time, which was the easiest and fastest ever before. It was developed by Richard Arkwright, who patented the technology in 1767. The design was partly based on a spinning machine built for Thomas Highs by clock maker John Kay, who was hired by Arkwright.