WINDMILLS Meaning and
Definition
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Windmills are structures that harness the power of wind to generate mechanical energy or pump water. They consist of several key components, including a tall tower or body known as the "mast" or "cap," which supports various transmission parts. At the top of the mast, windmills typically feature a large wheel with numerous oblique blades called "sails" or "vanes," designed to catch the wind's force.
The wind's kinetic energy causes the sails to rotate, and this rotational motion is transmitted via a series of gears and shafts to power various mechanical devices. In many traditional windmills, this energy is harnessed to grind grain, creating flour. However, windmills can be adapted for other purposes such as sawing timber, operating pumps to drain water from low-lying areas, or even generating electricity through the use of modern wind turbines.
Historically, windmills played a vital role in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and energy production, serving as a sustainable and renewable source of power. Today, windmills are still used in some regions for specific applications, particularly in countries with favorable wind resources. These structures not only contribute to energy generation and sustainability but also serve as iconic symbols of alternative and environmentally friendly power sources.
Top Common Misspellings for WINDMILLS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WINDMILLS
Etymology of WINDMILLS
The word windmill derives from the Middle English term winde-mel (also spelled as wind-mel or wyn-mel), which can be traced back to the Old English word wind-mele. The Old English term comprises two elements: wind, meaning the natural force of air in motion, and mele (related to the modern word mill), referring to a machine that grinds or crushes. The term winde-mel has been used since the early 13th century to describe the type of mill powered by wind. Over time, the spelling evolved, and by the 16th century, it became commonly known as windmill.
Idioms with the word WINDMILLS
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tilt at windmills
The idiom "tilt at windmills" originated from the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. It refers to someone who engages in a futile or impossible battle or struggle. It suggests that the person is fighting against an imaginary enemy or undertaking a task that is essentially unachievable. The idiom is often used to describe someone who is idealistic, often to the point of being unrealistic, in their pursuits or endeavors.
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have windmills in (one's) head
The idiom "have windmills in one's head" means to have unrealistic or impractical ideas or plans; to have grandiose or fanciful ambitions that are unlikely to be realized. It implies that a person's thoughts or goals are whimsical or foolish in nature, similar to the concept of Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes' novel, who famously fought imaginary giants, mistaking them for windmills.
Similar spelling words for WINDMILLS
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