milling
UK: ˈmɪlɪŋ | US: ˈmɪlɪŋ
n. the process of grinding, crushing, or cutting a material (especially grain or metal)
n. the act of moving around in a confused or aimless manner
vt. present participle of "mill" (to grind or process mechanically)
The word "milling" derives from the verb "mill," which traces back to Old English mylen (a mill) and Latin molina (mill), rooted in molere (to grind). The suffix -ing forms nouns (indicating action/process) or present participles. Historically, "milling" first described grain grinding, later expanding to industrial metalworking. The "aimless movement" sense metaphorically evokes the chaotic motion of mill machinery.
The milling of wheat into flour is a centuries-old practice.
Workers were milling about the factory floor during the break.
Precision milling requires advanced CNC machines.
The crowd was milling around the concert venue before the gates opened.
She observed the milling process to ensure the metal parts met specifications.