milling machine

American  

noun

1. a machine tool for rotating a cutter milling cutter to produce plane or formed surfaces on a workpiece, usually by moving the work past the cutter.

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milling machine British  

noun

1. a machine tool in which a horizontal arbor or vertical spindle rotates a cutting tool above a horizontal table, which is used to move a workpiece

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Etymology

Origin of milling machine

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

When San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer first saw the Coast Runner milling machine being marketed as some state-of-the-art product for creative people in California, she was livid.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2024

Once 3-D modeling was complete, the files were programmed into a computer-controlled milling machine that resembles a cross between a band saw and a lathe.

From Scientific American • Jun. 29, 2022

A milling machine then removes the bran, and a polishing machine smooths the now-white rice.

From New York Times • Nov. 11, 2021

When a part breaks or wears out, Fjodor makes a replacement using a lathe, a milling machine and lots of hand tools.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2020

“Your father was pretty mad,” he said over the shriek of a milling machine.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam