water-mill

A water-mill turns slowly by the riverside.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mill powered by water: "water-mill" refers to a mill (a machine for grinding grain, sawing wood, or other industrial processes) that is driven by the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water, typically through a waterwheel.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old water-mill by the river still grinds wheat into flour. (A mill that uses water power to process grain.)
  • They restored the historic water-mill to demonstrate traditional milling techniques. (A mill driven by water, used for educational purposes.)

Advanced Usage

• "water-mill" as a compound noun: The term is often hyphenated ("water-mill") or written as two words ("water mill") or as one word ("watermill"). The hyphenated form emphasizes the compound nature of the word.
  • The village's economy once depended on the water-mill. (The mill was a central economic asset.)

Variants and Related Words

• Waterwheel (n): a wheel that is turned by the flow of water, used to power a water-mill.

  • The waterwheel of the water-mill creaked as it turned. (The wheel that transfers water power to the mill.)

• Millpond (n): a body of water held back by a dam to supply a water-mill.

  • The millpond behind the water-mill was full of fish. (The reservoir for the mill.)

Synonyms

• Hydro-powered mill: a mill that uses water as its energy source.
• Gristmill (specifically for grinding grain): a mill for grinding corn or wheat, often water-powered.

Related Idioms

• "Like a water-mill": used metaphorically to describe something that operates continuously or with steady, rhythmic motion.
  • Her mind worked like a water-mill, constantly turning over ideas. (Her thoughts were unceasing and methodical.)

Note: No phrasal verbs or idioms are commonly associated with "water-mill" as a standalone term.