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Webster 1913 Edition


Treadmill

Tread′millˊ

,
Noun.
A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It is used principally as a means of prison discipline. Also, a mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.

Definition 2024


treadmill

treadmill

English

Noun

treadmill (plural treadmills)

  1. A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.
  2. A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It is used principally as a means of prison discipline.
  3. A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.
    • 2013 July-August, Henry Petroski, Geothermal Energy”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 4:
      Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal.

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