Backbreak is a term that is often used in various fields, including mining, construction, and agriculture. It refers to the amount of rock, dirt, or other material that collapses or falls back into a space that has been excavated. This can be a dangerous situation for workers, and it can also cause delays and problems in the completion of a project. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of backbreak, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term backbreak can have different definitions depending on the context in which it is used. In mining, backbreak refers to the amount of rock or other material that falls back into an excavation after it has been blasted. In construction, backbreak can refer to the amount of soil or other material that collapses into a trench or foundation. In agriculture, backbreak can refer to the amount of soil that falls back into a hole or furrow after it has been dug.
Origin
The origin of the term backbreak is unclear, but it is likely that it has been used in various industries for many years. The word backbreak is a compound word, with the first part of the word referring to the back of a person or animal, and the second part of the word referring to the act of breaking or collapsing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term backbreak is not commonly found in most dictionaries, but it is included in some specialized dictionaries related to mining, construction, and agriculture. In these dictionaries, backbreak is defined as the amount of material that falls back into an excavation or trench.
Associations
Backbreak is often associated with dangerous working conditions, as the collapse of material can cause injury or death to workers. It is also associated with delays and problems in the completion of a project, as the excavation may need to be cleared before work can continue.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for backbreak include cave-in, collapse, and landslide. These terms all refer to the same situation where material falls back into an excavation or trench.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for backbreak, but terms such as stable, secure, and intact can be used to describe a situation where material does not collapse or fall back into an excavation.
The same root words
The root words of backbreak are back and break. Back can refer to the rear part of something, while break can refer to the act of separating or dividing something.
Example Sentences
- The miners were forced to stop work due to a backbreak in the excavation.
- The construction crew had to clear out a backbreak in the foundation before they could continue building.
- The farmer was frustrated by the backbreak in the soil that kept falling back into the hole he was digging.