millstone
MIL-stohn
Definition
A large, heavy circular stone used in a mill for grinding grain, often used metaphorically in biology to describe a structure that performs a similar grinding function.
Etymology
Originating from Old English 'mylenstan', it is a compound of 'mylen' (mill) and 'stan' (stone). The word has historically referred specifically to the heavy stones used to crush grain in watermills or windmills.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the function of certain dinosaur teeth or gizzard stones that act as grinding mechanisms for breaking down tough plant matter. It illustrates how these animals evolved physical tools analogous to industrial machinery to process their food.
Dinosaurs evolved very strange and unique strategies for digesting food and absorbing nutrients
Read the full article ↗Earth.com