MILLSTONE Meaning and
Definition
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A millstone is a noun that refers to a large circular stone, specifically designed for grinding or milling grains, such as wheat or corn. It is an essential tool used in early civilizations to convert raw grains into flour to make bread or other food products. Millstones are typically made from durable materials such as granite, basalt, or sandstone. The stone is carved with a central hole through which a shaft passes, allowing it to rotate. The upper millstone is referred to as the "runner stone," while the lower stone is known as the "bedstone."
Millstones are commonly used in watermills or windmills, where the mechanical energy of flowing water or wind is harnessed to power the grinding process. The grain is poured into the hole at the center of the upper stone and, as it turns, the pressure and friction between the two stones crush and grind the grain into fine particles. The resulting flour collects in a groove or basin around the edge of the lower stone.
Beyond its literal meaning, the term "millstone" is also used metaphorically to describe a burden, obstacle, or liability that weighs heavily on someone's mind or conscience. In this sense, it implies an oppressive or overwhelming influence that is difficult to escape or overcome. The metaphor arises from the immense weight and unwieldiness of an actual millstone, which can make carrying or removing it extremely challenging.
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One of the grinding-stones of a mill.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MILLSTONE
Etymology of MILLSTONE
The word "millstone" can be traced back to Old English. It is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "mylen" meaning "mill" and "stan" meaning "stone". Together, they form the compound word "mylenstan", which later evolved into "millstone" in Middle English. The etymology accurately reflects the object itself, as a "millstone" refers to a large stone wheel used in traditional mills for grinding grain and other materials.
Idioms with the word MILLSTONE
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be (like) a millstone around/round your neck
The idiom "be (like) a millstone around/round your neck" is used to describe a burdensome or troublesome person or thing that significantly hinders or weighs someone down. It originates from the literal meaning of a millstone, a heavy stone used to grind grain, which would be attached to the neck of a person to prevent them from swimming or floating. It suggests that the person or thing in question is causing difficulties and making it difficult for someone to progress or succeed.
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a millstone around your neck
The idiom "a millstone around your neck" refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that becomes a hindrance or obstacle, causing difficulty or preventing progress. It signifies an oppressive or troublesome situation that weighs heavily on a person or holds them back from achieving their goals or desires. The expression is derived from the literal meaning of a millstone, a large, heavy stone used to grind grain in traditional mills, which can become a burden if attached around someone's neck.
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millstone about one's neck
The idiom "millstone about one's neck" refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that becomes an obstacle in one's life. It symbolizes something that weighs a person down, hindering their progress or causing difficulties. The term originates from the literal sense of a millstone, which is a large stone used to grind grain. When tied around someone's neck, it would be virtually impossible for them to move freely or make any progress.
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millstone about neck
The idiom "millstone about neck" typically refers to a burdensome or oppressive responsibility or problem that a person has to carry or deal with. It originates from the image of a heavy millstone that would be tied around a person's neck, making it difficult for them to move or escape.
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a millstone around/round your neck
The idiom "a millstone around/round your neck" refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that weighs someone down and hinders their progress or success. It symbolizes a problem or obstacle that is difficult to overcome and keeps holding someone back from achieving their goals or finding relief.
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(as) hard as the nether millstone
The idiom "(as) hard as the nether millstone" refers to something that is extremely difficult or impossible to do or endure. It originates from the millstone, an essential component of ancient milling machines. The nether millstone was the bottom stone that remained stationary while the upper stone rotated. It was known for being exceptionally dense, sturdy, and difficult to break. Therefore, when something is described as "hard as the nether millstone," it means it is extremely challenging or unyielding.
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millstone around (one's) neck
The idiom "millstone around (one's) neck" refers to a burdensome or oppressive responsibility or problem that is difficult to shake off or escape. It originates from the literal meaning of a millstone, which is a large stone used to grind grain. Having a millstone around one's neck is symbolic of being weighed down and hindered by something, just as a millstone can impede movement or progress.
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a millstone around/round somebody's neck
The idiom "a millstone around/round somebody's neck" refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that causes difficulties or hinders progress for someone. It implies an oppressive or demanding situation that weighs down on a person, similar to the heavy millstone that was tied around the necks of criminals as a form of punishment.
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hard as the nether millstone
The idiom "hard as the nether millstone" refers to something that is extremely difficult or impossible to break, penetrate, or be influenced by external factors. It implies that the object or individual being described is unyielding, stubborn, or resistant to change or compromise.
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a millstone around neck
The idiom "a millstone around neck" refers to a burdensome or overwhelming responsibility, problem, or hindrance that weighs someone down, making it difficult for them to progress or succeed. It is derived from the literal meaning of a millstone, a large and heavy stone used to grind grain, and the imagery of someone being tied to it, thus impeding their freedom or progress.
Similar spelling words for MILLSTONE
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