Millrace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
millrace
[หmษชlreษชs ]
Definition
water flow
A millrace is a channel that directs water to a water mill, which is used to generate power for various machinery. The term specifically refers to the man-made watercourse that carries water from a river or stream to the mill wheel, where it can create mechanical energy. Millraces can be designed to manage water flow efficiently and may include features like sluices for adjusting the amount of water entering the mill. They were commonly used in historical milling operations and played a vital role in the agricultural and industrial sectors during earlier centuries.
Synonyms
mill stream, raceway, watercourse.
Examples of usage
- The old millrace was still visible after all these years.
- They reconstructed the millrace to restore the historic site.
- The millrace provided a consistent flow of water for the mill operations.
Translations
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Origin of 'millrace'
The term 'millrace' originates from the combination of 'mill' and 'race', where 'mill' refers to a structure where grains are ground or other processes occur powered by water, and 'race' is derived from the Old English word 'rรฆce', meaning a course or channel. Historically, millraces have been essential to the function of water mills, which date back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans who used water power in various forms. As milling technology evolved during the Middle Ages and the Industrial Revolution, the design and construction of millraces also advanced, leading to more sophisticated systems that maximized water flow efficiency. The decline of water mills with the rise of steam and electric power in the 19th century saw many millraces fall into disrepair, yet they remain a significant part of industrial heritage, illustrating the ingenuity of past societies in harnessing natural resources.