Millwheel: meaning, definitions and examples
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millwheel
[ ˈmɪlˌwiːl ]
water mill
A millwheel is a large wheel that is typically located in a watermill. It is turned by the flow of water and is used to drive machinery. Millwheels can vary in design and size, depending on the purpose they serve.
Synonyms
gristmill wheel, millstone, waterwheel
Examples of usage
- The millwheel turned slowly in the gentle river current.
- Farmers relied on the energy of the millwheel to grind their grain.
- The wooden millwheel was a crucial part of the old watermill.
Translations
Translations of the word "millwheel" in other languages:
🇵🇹 roda d'água
🇮🇳 चक्की
🇩🇪 Mühlrad
🇮🇩 roda gilingan
🇺🇦 млинне колесо
🇵🇱 koło młyńskie
🇯🇵 水車 (すいしゃ)
🇫🇷 roue de moulin
🇪🇸 rueda de molino
🇹🇷 değirmen tekerleği
🇰🇷 물레
🇸🇦 عجلة الطاحونة
🇨🇿 mlýnské kolo
🇸🇰 mlynové kolo
🇨🇳 水车 (shuǐchē)
🇸🇮 mlinarjeva kolesa
🇮🇸 mylluhjól
🇰🇿 диірмен дөңгелегі
🇬🇪 წყლის მილი
🇦🇿 dəyirman təkəri
🇲🇽 rueda de molino
Etymology
The term 'millwheel' has its roots in the Old English word 'mylen,' meaning 'mill', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic '*mūlīna'. Historically, millwheels were essential in various agricultural societies, primarily for grinding grains into flour. The usage of waterpower to turn the millwheel dates back to ancient civilizations, which recognized the power of flowing water. Over the centuries, the design and construction of millwheels evolved. Initially made from wood, they began to incorporate metal components as technology advanced. The waterwheel played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution, powering machinery and increasing productivity in manufacturing. Today, while modern technology has largely supplanted traditional millwheels, many historical sites still showcase these impressive structures.