The spelling of the word "muller" can be confusing. The correct pronunciation is /ˈmʌlər/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. The letter 'u' in the spelling represents the vowel sound /ʌ/ as heard in "bus" or "hut." The double 'l' is pronounced as a single sound /l/, and the final 'er' is pronounced as /ər/. "Muller" is a common surname in German, and it is also used as a term for a worker who grinds and mixes materials, such as a glass or pigment muller.
Muller (noun) refers to a specialized tool or device utilized in various industries, particularly in the field of grinding, crushing, and pulverizing materials, such as pigments, glass, or grains. Its main purpose is to reduce solid substances into finer particles or powders by subjecting them to intense pressure or repetitive grinding motions.
Typically, a muller consists of two heavy, flat, or cylindrical surfaces, which can be made of stone, metal, or other durable materials. These surfaces, often referred to as muller wheels, are positioned in a way that allows them to rotate or move in a back-and-forth motion. The material to be crushed or ground is placed between these surfaces, and pressure is applied by manually or mechanically maneuvering the muller wheels. As a result, the solid particles undergo repeated shearing, crushing, or grinding actions until the desired fineness or consistency is achieved.
The term "muller" can also encompass the entire apparatus used in the grinding process, such as a muller mill or muller mixer. These machines may feature additional components like motors, paddles, or blades to aid in the pulverization or mixing of the materials.
Beyond industrial applications, mullers can also have other connotations. For example, in some regions, the word "muller" is used to refer to a large stone used for grinding spices or herbs in cooking or medicinal preparations. In the context of printmaking, a muller can be a small hand tool used to mix ink on a palette or glass slab.
• A hand-stone for grinding down oil-paint on a slab, or for reducing any substance to powder; a vessel for heating wine over a fire.
• See under mull.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "muller" has multiple origins and meanings, depending on the context. Here are a few etymological aspects related to different uses of the word:
1. Müller (German surname): The German surname "Müller" is derived from the Middle High German word "mulnære" or "molnære", which means "miller". It refers to a person who owned or worked at a mill.
2. Muller (tool): In the context of a muller used for grinding or crushing substances, the term is derived from the Latin word "molere", meaning "to grind". This Latin root also gives rise to words like "molar" and "molecule", which are related to grinding or grinding-sized units.
3. Muller (glassmaking): In the context of glassmaking, a "muller" refers to a tool used to mix and blend colors into molten glass.