mills

Mills are devices or structures that convert natural energy into mechanical power, primarily for grinding grain but also for other processing tasks. They have historically harnessed water, wind, steam, or electricity.

Common types include watermills, which use a water wheel or turbine; windmills with sails; and industrial mills driven by steam engines or electric motors. Within these categories are gristmills, sawmills, textile mills, and roller mills.

Operation involves a energy source driving a main shaft that transmits motion through gears, belts, or a belt-and-pulley system to processing machinery such as grindstones, rollers, or spinning frames.

History: earliest mills appear in ancient civilizations; water-powered mills spread through medieval Europe; windmills also became widespread by the medieval period; the Industrial Revolution introduced large-scale roller mills and factory mills powered by steam and electricity.

Today mills may function as industrial facilities or be preserved as heritage sites; the term Mills also appears as a surname and in many place names.

Related topics include windmill, watermill, gristmill, and sawmill.