millrace
Definition
Noun: A millrace is a man-made channel or watercourse specifically built to carry a fast-moving current of water to drive a millwheel. It is the channel that directs water from a river or stream to the mill's waterwheel, providing the necessary force to turn it and power machinery, such as for grinding grain.
Usage
The word millrace is used to describe the specific water channel associated with a watermill. It is a technical term often found in historical, industrial, or geographical contexts. - The old millrace, now dry and overgrown, still snakes through the field behind the village. - The force of the water in the millrace was essential for turning the large wooden wheel.
Advanced Usage
- "to be as fast as a millrace": An informal simile describing something that moves with great speed or force.
- After the storm, the creek was as fast as a millrace.
Variants and Related Words
- Millpond (noun): The pond or reservoir created by damming a stream to supply water to a millrace.
- The calm surface of the millpond contrasted with the rushing millrace below the dam.
- Headrace (noun): The part of a millrace that leads water to the mill machinery. Often used synonymously with millrace.
- Tailrace (noun): The channel that carries water away from a millwheel after it has been used.
Synonyms
- Leat (chiefly British): An artificial watercourse, often for driving a mill.
- Flume: An artificial channel for conveying water, often used for logging or mining, but can be similar in construction.
- Watercourse: A general term for a channel for water, which can include a natural stream or an artificial channel like a millrace.
Related Phrases
- To harness the millrace: To utilize the power of the flowing water.
- The early settlers learned to harness the millrace for industry.
Noun
-
a channel for the water current that turns a millwheel
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