[/mɔ/]
nounfemininepl: mós
millstone; grinding stone
1. One of two round, flat stones used in a mill to grind grain into flour
The miller turned the upper millstone to grind the wheat.
O moleiro girou a mó de cima para moer o trigo.
2. A heavy burden or obligation that weighs someone down
Debt became a millstone around his neck.
A dívida virou uma mó no pescoço dele.
3. In dentistry, a molar tooth
The dentist examined his molars carefully.
O dentista examinou suas mós com cuidado.
The term 'mó' is less commonly used in modern Brazilian Portuguese, especially in urban settings, as traditional mills have largely disappeared. However, it remains in use in rural areas and is frequently encountered in historical, literary, and figurative contexts (such as 'uma mó no pescoço' meaning 'a burden'). The word is well-preserved in Portuguese from European Portuguese usage.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pedra de moermó de moinhopesofardo

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
Standard term for millstone or molar tooth
Rio de Janeiro
Common usage, especially in older or rural contexts
São Paulo
Less common in modern urban speech; more prevalent in historical or literary contexts
Portugal
Standard Portuguese term; used identically to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

moinhomoertrigofarinhamolardente

Related Idioms & Phrases

uma mó no pescoço
carregar uma mó às costas
ter uma mó pendurada
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