COALFACE Meaning and
Definition
-
Coalface is a noun that refers to the actual working area in a coal mine where coal is extracted from the earth. It is the front line of coal mining operations, where miners engage in the physical labor necessary to harvest coal from the ground. The coalface can vary in size and shape, depending on the specific mining operation, and may consist of underground tunnels or open-pit excavations.
To work at the coalface means to be directly involved in the intense and demanding labor required to extract coal. Miners at the coalface face numerous challenges and hazards, such as poor ventilation, rock falls, and exposure to harmful gases. The physical exertion is often strenuous, with workers using hand tools, drilling machines, and other machinery to loosen and extract the coal.
The coalface is a prominent symbol of the coal mining industry, representing the heart of the operation and the place where the valuable energy resource is obtained. It has also entered into broader usage as a metaphorical expression, representing the frontline or most crucial aspect of any task or operation. In this sense, being at the coalface implies being deeply involved, hands-on, and directly engaged in the core aspects of a particular endeavor.
Common Misspellings for COALFACE
Etymology of COALFACE
The word "coalface" originated in the mid-19th century in England, specifically in coal mining regions. The term is derived from combining "coal" and "face".
"Coal" refers to the black or dark-brown sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon. It has been used as a fuel source for centuries and is still a significant resource globally.
The term "face" in this context refers to the exposed surface of a working or mining site. In a coal mine, coalface refers to the section of the coal seam that is being actively worked on or extracted. It is the area where the miners directly engage in digging, extracting, or cutting the coal.
So, when combined, "coalface" describes the working front or the active working area within a coal mine. It is the location where miners carry out their extraction activities.
Idioms with the word COALFACE
-
at the coalface
The idiom "at the coalface" is often used to describe being directly involved in the frontline or the most important and active part of a particular job or task. It refers to working in the most fundamental and essential aspects of a job, often involving physical labor or intense involvement. This expression is derived from coal mining, where miners work at the coalface, which is the exposed working area where coal is extracted from the earth. Overall, it signifies being directly engaged in the core responsibilities or hands-on aspects of a job or project.
Similar spelling words for COALFACE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
