How Do You Spell MILLRACE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪlɹe͡ɪs] (IPA)

The word "millrace" is spelled as /ˈmɪl.reɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "mil" is pronounced as /mɪl/, with a short "i" sound followed by the consonant "l". The second syllable "race" is pronounced as /reɪs/, with a long "a" sound followed by the consonant "s". A millrace is a channel or trench in which water flows to power a watermill, typically constructed in a curved or slightly sloping shape to optimize water flow.

MILLRACE Meaning and Definition

1. A millrace refers to an artificial channel or channelized stream, purposely constructed to supply water to a watermill, thereby powering its machinery. It is a prominent feature of early industrial societies, specifically those reliant on water power. The term "millrace" originates from the combination of "mill" and "race" – the latter meaning a watercourse or channel.

   Typically, a millrace diverts water from a natural source, such as a river or stream, and directs it with controlled flow towards a mill. These channels are deliberately designed to maintain a consistent and swift water flow to maximize the effectiveness of the mill's machinery, especially the waterwheel. Millraces usually have a slightly inclined path to harness the potential energy of the water as it descends in elevation. This slope aids in moving the water with a forceful flow, which, in turn, allows the mill to operate with greater efficiency and power.

   Millraces can vary in size, width, and shape depending on the specific requirements of the mill they serve. They often feature masonry walls or banks to contain and guide the water, ensuring its directed flow remains focused and controlled. Additionally, the construction of millraces may involve the inclusion of sluice gates or weirs to regulate the water supply or manage excessive flow during flooding or heavy rain.

   Despite their declining significance in modern times due to the advent of more efficient power sources, millraces still stand as remarkable historical artifacts, serving as reminders of ancient industrial practices and the ingenuity of earlier civilizations in harnessing natural resources.

Common Misspellings for MILLRACE

• mallace
• nillrace
• killrace
• jillrace
• mullrace
• mjllrace
• mkllrace
• mollrace
• m9llrace
• m8llrace
• miklrace
• milrace
• millace
• millrae
• millrece
• milrae
• Killerake
• Gillraye
• mulcrack
• Inlleace
• Milreece

Etymology of MILLRACE

The word "millrace" is derived from the combination of two words: "mill" and "race".

The term "mill" comes from the Old English word "mylen", which ultimately has its roots in the Latin word "molina", meaning "mill". The Old English word "mylen" evolved into "mill" in Middle English.

The word "race" here refers to a channel or course that directs the flow of water to a mill's water wheel. It has its origin in the Old Norse word "rás", meaning "a running". In Middle English, it became "rase" and eventually evolved to "race" in modern English.

Thus, the combination of "mill" and "race" gives us "millrace", which specifically denotes the channel that carries water to drive the water wheel of a mill.

Plural form of MILLRACE is MILLRACES