mill

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   grind with a mill

   mill grain

2. 2
   verb

   produce a ridge around the edge of

   mill a coin

3. 3
   noun

   A grinding apparatus for substances such as grains, seeds, etc. (Some are small and simple, and some are large and complex.)

   Pepper has a stronger flavor when it is ground straight from a mill.

4. 4
   noun

   The building housing such a grinding apparatus; also, any similar building that houses a similarly material activity (such as weaving, fulling, dying, etc.); the place of business comprising such a building and its outbuildings and grounds.

   My great-grandfather worked in a mill. He filled the flour sacks and then carried and loaded them.

5. 5
   noun

   A machine used for expelling the juice, sap, etc., from vegetable tissues by pressure, or by pressure in combination with a grinding, or cutting process; any similar apparatus that otherwise processes.

   a cider mill; a cane mill

6. 6
   noun

   A machine for grinding and polishing.

   a lapidary mill

7. 7
   noun

   A milling machine for machining of solid metal, wood, or plastic.

   Several machinists were busy operating the lathes, mills, and drill presses on the shop floor.

8. 8
   noun

   A milling cutter used on such a machine.

   After the drilling and tapping operations, we come in with a mill and do some contouring.

Etymology

From Middle English mylne, mille, from Old English mylen, from Proto-West Germanic *mulīnu (“mill”), from Late Latin molīna, molīnum, molīnus (“mill”), from Latin molō (“grind, mill”, verb), closely allied to Proto-Germanic *muljaną (“to crush, grind”) (see English millstone). Perhaps cognate with Milne (a surname). Doublet of moline, moulin, and blin.