Watermill: meaning, definitions and examples
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watermill
[ ˈwɔːtərmɪl ]
machinery, energy
A watermill is a structure that uses a water wheel or turbine to convert the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy can then be used to drive various kinds of machinery, such as grinding grain into flour or sawing wood. Watermills have been used for centuries, playing an important role in the development of various industries. They are often associated with rural settings, where rivers provide a reliable source of water flow.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The medieval watermill ground grain for the entire village.
- She visited a historic watermill that still operates today.
- Watermills were fundamental in agricultural processing.
- The restoration of the old watermill was a community project.
Translations
Translations of the word "watermill" in other languages:
🇵🇹 moinho de água
🇮🇳 जलचक्की
🇩🇪 Wassermühle
🇮🇩 kincir air
🇺🇦 водяний млин
🇵🇱 młyn wodny
🇯🇵 水車
🇫🇷 moulin à eau
🇪🇸 molino de agua
🇹🇷 su değirmeni
🇰🇷 수차
🇸🇦 مطحنة مائية
🇨🇿 vodní mlýn
🇸🇰 vodný mlyn
🇨🇳 水车
🇸🇮 vodni mlin
🇮🇸 vatnsmyllur
🇰🇿 су диірмені
🇬🇪 წყლის წისქვილი
🇦🇿 su dəyirmanı
🇲🇽 molino de agua
Etymology
The term 'watermill' dates back to Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'wætremylne'. The word combines 'wæter', meaning water, and 'mylnan', meaning to grind. Watermills have a long history, dating back to ancient Rome where they were initially used for grinding grain. The technology spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, causing a significant transformation in food production and industry. As towns and cities developed, watermills became essential for various manufacturing processes, including textile production and metalworking. The use of water as a primary power source peaked before the Industrial Revolution when steam power began to dominate. Today, while the traditional watermill is not commonly used for industrial purposes, many have been preserved as historic sites, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations.