treadmill

Definition

A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.

Etymology

From tread + mill. Its figurative senses refer to the idea that running on a treadmill requires continued effort and motion to remain in the same place.

Example Sentences

• "Their paternal house of Drummington, Foker could very seldom be got to visit. He swore he had rather go on the treadmill than stay there."
• "Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal."
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