macina

millstone

noun MAH-chee-nah Rare

Origin: Latin machina (device, contrivance)

Also means

grindstone

Usage Note

Macina refers to the large circular stone used in a mill to grind grain. Figuratively, essere sotto la macina describes being ground down by hardship. Do not confuse with macchina (machine, car) — note the difference in spelling: macina has no double c. The verb macinare (to grind) shares the same root.

Examples

"La vecchia macina era ancora funzionante."

Natural Translation

The old millstone was still working.

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