mill-stream

A mill-stream flows gently past the old waterwheel.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stream or channel of water that flows to or from a mill, typically used to power the mill's machinery.

Usage Examples

• (A water channel that once powered a mill.)
• (The flowing water from the channel drove the wheel.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go with the mill-stream": to follow the prevailing current or trend; to act without resistance.
  • He simply went with the mill-stream of public opinion. (He did not oppose the general sentiment.)
• "mill-stream" as a metaphor: used to describe a steady, constant flow of something.
  • The data came in a mill-stream of reports. (A continuous and steady flow of information.)

Variants and Related Words

• Millrace (n): the channel carrying water to a mill wheel; synonymous with mill-stream in some contexts.
  • The millrace was dug to direct water to the waterwheel. (The channel for water to the mill.)
• Millpond (n): the body of water behind a mill dam, often feeding the mill-stream.
  • The children swam in the millpond on hot summer days. (The reservoir behind the mill.)

Synonyms

• Race: a channel for water, especially one leading to or from a mill.
• Leat: a man-made watercourse, often used to supply a mill.

Related Idioms

• "A mill-stream of words": a continuous, rapid outpouring of speech.
  • She spoke in a mill-stream of words, barely pausing for breath. (A torrent of speech.)

Notes

• The term "mill-stream" is often used interchangeably with "millrace," though "millrace" specifically refers to the channel leading to the mill wheel, while "mill-stream" can refer to the watercourse either before or after the mill.