Millstone: meaning, definitions and examples
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millstone
[ ˈmɪlˌstoʊn ]
literal use
A millstone is a large, circular stone used in a mill for grinding grain. Traditionally, it is part of a pair of stones used to prepare flour from wheat or other grains. The upper stone rotates over the stationary lower stone and crushes the grain between them. Millstones are made from durable materials such as granite, which can withstand the pressure and wear from prolonged use. They have played an essential role in agriculture by helping societies produce flour for bread and other food products.
Synonyms
grinding stone, millwheel
Examples of usage
- The millstone turned slowly, grinding the wheat into flour.
- In the museum, we saw an ancient millstone used centuries ago.
- He replaced the worn-out millstone with a new one.
- The sound of the millstone was soothing as it worked.
- Farmers used the millstone to produce flour for their families.
metaphorical use
Metaphorically, a millstone refers to a heavy burden or a source of great distress. It suggests a constraint that weighs down one's ability to progress or achieve freedom. The phrase 'a millstone around one's neck' expresses a feeling of being encumbered by an obligation or difficult situation. This use of the term grew from the image of being carried down by the weight of a millstone, creating a sense of vulnerability and struggle.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He felt the millstone of debt weighing him down.
- The responsibilities of the job became a millstone for her career.
- Trying to handle both tasks felt like carrying a millstone.
- The failed project was a millstone around their reputation.
- He described his old commitments as a millstone.
Translations
Translations of the word "millstone" in other languages:
🇵🇹 moagem
🇮🇳 चक्की का पत्थर
🇩🇪 Mahlstein
🇮🇩 batu penggiling
🇺🇦 жорнова
🇵🇱 kamień młyński
🇯🇵 石臼
🇫🇷 meule
🇪🇸 molete
🇹🇷 değirmen taşı
🇰🇷 맷돌
🇸🇦 حجر الطاحونة
🇨🇿 mlýnský kámen
🇸🇰 mlynský kameň
🇨🇳 磨石
🇸🇮 mletni kamen
🇮🇸 mjölssteinn
🇰🇿 ұнтағыш тас
🇬🇪 ქვასახურავი
🇦🇿 dəyirman daşı
🇲🇽 piedra de molino
Word origin
The word 'millstone' originates from Middle English 'milstone', combining 'mill' (a place where grain is ground) and 'stone'. The root 'mille' comes from Old English 'mylen', which is related to the Latin 'molere', meaning 'to grind'. This etymology reflects the historical importance of milling in agrarian societies where grain processing was essential. Millstones have been used since ancient times, with archaeological evidence indicating their use in various cultures across the globe. In their early forms, primitive stones were used to crush seeds and grains, evolving into the more sophisticated designs seen in modern mills. The phrase 'millstone around the neck' metaphorically connotes burdens derived from someone’s obligations, drawing from the historical weight and cumbersome nature of actual millstones.