Definition

Noun: 1. A pond created by damming a stream to provide a steady supply of water to power a mill wheel. This is the original, literal meaning, referring to the body of water stored for industrial use. 2. (Figurative) A very calm and still body of water. This common figurative use describes any expanse of water that is exceptionally smooth and tranquil, resembling the typically still surface of an actual millpond.

Usage

The word "millpond" is used to describe either the specific historical feature or, more commonly today, any very calm water surface. * As a literal noun: It refers to the engineered pond itself. * As a figurative noun: It is often used in similes (e.g., "as calm as a millpond") to emphasize serenity and lack of waves or ripples.

Examples

• Literal:
  • The old millpond, now a nature reserve, is home to many species of birds.
  • The water from the millpond was channeled through a sluice to turn the massive wheel.
• Figurative:
  • After the storm passed, the sea became as calm as a millpond.
  • In the early morning, the lake was a perfect millpond, reflecting the mountains like a mirror.

Advanced Usage

• "like a millpond": This is the standard comparative phrase used to describe extreme calmness.
  • The harbor was like a millpond at dawn, with the boats sitting perfectly still on the glassy water.

Variants and Related Words

• Millrace (noun): The fast-moving channel of water that flows from the millpond to turn the mill wheel.
• Millwheel (noun): The large wheel turned by flowing water, which provided power to grind grain or for other machinery.

Synonyms

• (For the figurative sense): Dead calm, glassy surface, mirror.
• (For the literal sense): Reservoir, impoundment, mill pool.

Antonyms

• (For the figurative sense): Choppy seas, rough water, turbulent water, whitecaps.

Idioms and Phrases

• "(as) calm/placid/smooth as a millpond": This is the primary idiomatic expression. It is used to describe not only water but can be extended metaphorically to describe a very peaceful and untroubled situation or atmosphere.
  • Despite the chaos of the city, her demeanor remained as calm as a millpond.

Noun

1. a pond formed by damming a stream to provide a head of water to turn a mill wheel