Coal is one of the most important natural resources that the world has relied on for centuries. It is a fossil fuel that is used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power industries. However, not all coal is created equal. Broken coal is a term that refers to a particular type of coal that has been damaged during the mining process. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of broken coal.
Definitions
Broken coal is a term used to describe coal that has been fractured or damaged during the mining process. It can also refer to coal that has been crushed or broken into smaller pieces. Broken coal is often of lower quality than intact coal, as it may contain impurities or be less dense.
Origin
The origin of broken coal can be traced back to the early days of coal mining. In the past, miners used pickaxes and shovels to extract coal from the earth. This process often resulted in coal being damaged or broken during extraction. Today, modern mining techniques have reduced the amount of broken coal produced, but it still remains a common occurrence.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of broken coal is similar across different dictionaries. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines broken coal as “coal that has been damaged or broken during the mining process.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “coal that has been broken into small pieces during the mining process.”
Associations
Broken coal is often associated with lower quality coal. It may contain impurities such as rocks, dirt, or other minerals that can reduce its heating value. Broken coal may also be less dense, which can make it more difficult to transport and store.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for broken coal, including crushed coal, damaged coal, and fractured coal.
Antonyms
The antonym of broken coal is intact coal, which refers to coal that has not been damaged or broken during the mining process.
The same root words
The root words of broken coal are “broken” and “coal.” Broken refers to something that has been damaged or fractured, while coal is a fossil fuel that is used for energy production.
Example Sentences
- The mine produced a large amount of broken coal, which had to be sorted and cleaned before it could be sold.
- The quality of the coal was poor due to the high amount of broken coal that was extracted.
- The miners had to be careful not to damage the coal during the extraction process to avoid producing broken coal.
- The company invested in new mining equipment to reduce the amount of broken coal produced.
- The broken coal was used as fuel for the power plant, but it had a lower heating value than intact coal.