Gristmill
Gristmill
A Gristmill (pronounced: grist-mill) is a mill that grinds grain into flour. The term can refer to both the grinding mechanism and the building that holds it.
Etymology
The term "Gristmill" comes from the Old English 'grist', meaning 'to grind', and 'mill', which was used in the Middle Ages to describe a mill that could grind grain.
History
Gristmills were an important part of early rural economies in America, Europe, and other regions. They were typically built along rivers or streams where there was a steady water supply to power the mill's machinery. The invention of the gristmill made it possible for communities to convert their locally grown grains into flour, providing a stable food source and contributing to the development of agriculture.
Operation
A gristmill works by grinding grain between two stones, a stationary base stone, and a runner stone that rotates on top of it. The grain is fed into a hole in the center of the runner stone and is ground into flour as it moves outward between the two stones.
Related Terms
- Millstone: A stone used in gristmills for grinding wheat or other grains.
- Watermill: A mill that uses hydropower. It is a structure that uses a water wheel or water turbine to drive a mechanical process such as milling (grinding), rolling, or hammering.
- Windmill: A mill that converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gristmill
- Wikipedia's article - Gristmill
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