WINDMILL Meaning and
Definition
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A windmill is a mechanical device primarily designed to harness the power of wind to generate energy or perform various tasks. It typically consists of a large vertical or horizontal structure with a system of blades, known as sails or vanes, that are connected to a central shaft. The wind exerts force on the sails, resulting in rotational motion of the shaft, which is then used to power machinery or generate electricity.
Traditionally, windmills were widely used for grinding grains into flour, pumping water, or processing various agricultural products. In these applications, the rotational motion of the windmill's shaft was harnessed through gears and other mechanical components to perform the desired task. Over time, windmills have evolved to accommodate different demands and technological advancements, such as the ability to generate electricity.
Modern windmills, also referred to as wind turbines, are typically equipped with aerodynamically designed blades and are commonly found in wind farms or isolated locations with high wind flow. The rotational energy generated by the wind turbine is converted into electrical energy through the use of a generator.
Windmills have played a significant role throughout history as a sustainable and renewable source of energy, harnessing the power of nature to provide essential services and resources. Their design and functionality continue to evolve as advancements in technology and engineering allow for more efficient energy production from wind.
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A mill driven by the force of the wind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WINDMILL
Etymology of WINDMILL
The word "windmill" has a Dutch and Germanic origin. In Old English, the term "windmelle" (also spelled as "windmele", "windmylene", or "windmulne") was used to describe a mill operated by the power of wind. This compound word combines the elements "wind" (referring to the moving air) and "melle" (meaning "mill" or "grinding machine"). The term has remained relatively consistent in its spelling and pronunciation throughout its history.
Idioms with the word WINDMILL
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not know A from a windmill
The idiom "not know A from a windmill" means to be completely unaware or ignorant of a particular subject or unable to distinguish between two similar things or concepts. It implies a lack of knowledge or understanding, often used humorously or scathingly to depict someone's incompetence or confusion.
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throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill
The idiom "throw (one's) bonnet over the windmill" means to engage in unrealistic or impractical pursuits or to pursue unrealistic goals. It is derived from the story of Don Quixote, a fictional character who famously tilted at windmills, mistaking them for giants. Thus, "throwing one's bonnet over the windmill" refers to engaging in fanciful or misguided ventures.
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throw (one's) hat over the windmill
The idiom "throw (one's) hat over the windmill" refers to taking a risk or embarking on a daring adventure. It is inspired by the character Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes' novel, who famously jousts with windmills, mistaking them for giants. Thus, throwing one's hat over the windmill implies acting boldly and taking on a challenge, regardless of the potential risks or consequences involved.
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fling (one's) bonnet over the windmill
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fling (one's) cap over the windmill
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fling your cap over the windmill
"Fling your cap over the windmill" means to take a risk or chance, to go for broke or attempt something with a bold and reckless attitude. It is derived from the action of throwing one's cap over a windmill, which would be a daring and impulsive gesture.
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throw (one's) cap over the windmill
The idiom "throw (one's) cap over the windmill" means to take a risk or make a bold or reckless decision. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving impulsively or without thinking about the consequences.
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fling (one's) hat over the windmill
To take a risk or make a bold decision, often without considering potential consequences.
Similar spelling words for WINDMILL
Conjugate verb Windmill
CONDITIONAL
I
would windmill
you
would windmill
he/she/it
would windmill
we
would windmill
they
would windmill
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be windmilling
you
would be windmilling
he/she/it
would be windmilling
we
would be windmilling
they
would be windmilling
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have windmill
you
would have windmill
he/she/it
would have windmill
we
would have windmill
they
would have windmill
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been windmilling
you
would have been windmilling
he/she/it
would have been windmilling
we
would have been windmilling
they
would have been windmilling
FUTURE
I
will windmill
you
will windmill
he/she/it
will windmill
we
will windmill
they
will windmill
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be windmilling
you
will be windmilling
he/she/it
will be windmilling
we
will be windmilling
they
will be windmilling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have windmilled
you
will have windmilled
he/she/it
will have windmilled
we
will have windmilled
they
will have windmilled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been windmilling
you
will have been windmilling
he/she/it
will have been windmilling
we
will have been windmilling
they
will have been windmilling
IMPERATIVE
you
windmill
we
let´s windmill
to windmill
PAST
I
windmilled
you
windmilled
he/she/it
windmilled
we
windmilled
they
windmilled
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was windmilling
you
were windmilling
he/she/it
was windmilling
we
were windmilling
they
were windmilling
PAST PARTICIPLE
windmilled
PAST PERFECT
I
had windmilled
you
had windmilled
he/she/it
had windmilled
we
had windmilled
they
had windmilled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been windmilling
you
had been windmilling
he/she/it
had been windmilling
we
had been windmilling
they
had been windmilling
PRESENT
I
windmill
you
windmill
he/she/it
windmills
we
windmill
they
windmill
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am windmilling
you
are windmilling
he/she/it
is windmilling
we
are windmilling
they
are windmilling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
windmilling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have windmilled
you
have windmilled
he/she/it
has windmilled
we
have windmilled
they
have windmilled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been windmilling
you
have been windmilling
he/she/it
has been windmilling
we
have been windmilling
they
have been windmilling
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