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Glite Dictionary
spinning machine

spinning machine

3.4
A device that twists fibers into yarn or thread
  • noun
  • /ˈspɪnɪŋ məˈʃin/
  • Specialized
translation icon : máquina de hilar
  • The spinning machine whirred loudly as it turned raw cotton into fine yarn.

Examples

  • Richard Arkwright, often considered the father of industrialism, actually stole his main invention, the spinning machine, from one Thomas Highs, an inventor with whom he was for years acquainted.

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  • The factory installed several new spinning machines to increase yarn production.

  • In the textile workshop, the workers carefully monitored the spinning machine to ensure quality thread.

Synonyms

spinning frame
vsspinning machine
  • Specialized
5.8

A machine that pulls, twists, and winds fibers into yarn

is the broader, general term not stressing the step-by-step mechanical process
spinning jenny
vsspinning machine
  • Archaic
9.3

A machine that makes many threads of yarn at once

is the general term used across periods rather than an early historic type
throstle
vsspinning machine
  • Archaic
9.9

A machine that spins and winds cotton or wool into thread

is the broader term covering any fiber types and modes of operation

How Complex

spinning machine
  • Specialized
3.4
spinning frame
  • Specialized
5.8
spinning jenny
  • Archaic
9.3

Surface Forms

spinning machine singular
spinning machines plural

Morphology

spinning + machine

The meaning 'a machine used for spinning fibers into yarn' is directly and transparently built from 'spinning' (the process of twisting fibers) + 'machine' (a powered device), so a learner who knows both words can infer the compound meaning. This noun–noun compounding pattern is cross-linguistically common and follows regular English composition, making it accessible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Spinning machine comes from the old work of making cloth, where a hand spinning wheel turned loose fibers into 'yarn'. Adding machine shows the same turning is done by a device, so today it means a machine that makes 'yarn' or 'thread'.