1mill 
/ˈmɪl/ noun
plural mills /ˈmɪl/ noun [count] 1 a : a building with machinery for grinding grain into flour
b : a machine for grinding grain 2 : a small machine for grinding or crushing pepper, coffee, etc.
▪ a food/pepper mill 3 : a building in which a particular product is made : factory
▪ a paper/cotton/textile/lumber/steel mill ▪ mill workers — see also sawmill 4 : something that is compared to a factory because it produces things in large numbers or in a mechanical way
▪ Some critics have described the school as a diploma mill. [=a school where students can obtain diplomas very easily] ▪ The rumor mill has been churning out stories about their marriage. [=there are many rumors about their marriage]
b : a machine for grinding grain
▪ a food/pepper mill
▪ a paper/cotton/textile/lumber/steel mill ▪ mill workers — see also sawmill
▪ Some critics have described the school as a diploma mill. [=a school where students can obtain diplomas very easily] ▪ The rumor mill has been churning out stories about their marriage. [=there are many rumors about their marriage]
grist for/to your/the mill — see grist
through the mill
chiefly Brit : through a very difficult experience
▪ They've been (put) through the mill in the months since their father died.
▪ They've been (put) through the mill in the months since their father died.
