PICKAX Meaning and
Definition
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A pickax, also known as a pickaxe, is a hand tool extensively utilized in excavation and mining activities. It is composed of a sturdy and durable handle, usually made of wood or fiberglass, attached to a heavy and sharpened metal head, commonly referred to as the pick, on one end. The pick is usually formed by two points or blades that are joined together at an angle, resembling a broadened "V" shape. This unique design allows the pickax to be a versatile tool, suitable for different tasks involved in breaking and loosening hard materials, such as rocks, concrete, or soil.
The pickax is primarily used by striking the pointed end of the pick into the material being worked upon and then leveraging the handle to pry or lift it. It effectively enables the user to break up and remove chunks of rigid materials. The sharpness and strength of the pick's blades aid in penetrating the surface with precision, while the leverage from the handle provides ample force to extract broken portions effectively. Due to this functionality, pickaxes serve as valuable tools in construction, archaeology, geology, and various other fields that entail digging and excavation.
The pickax has a long history and has been used across civilizations worldwide for centuries. With its ability to tackle tough materials, the pickax remains an indispensable tool for labor-intensive tasks involving breaking, prying, and excavation.
Common Misspellings for PICKAX
Etymology of PICKAX
The word pickax is derived from the Middle English term pikax, which was a combination of two words: pik and ax. The word pik originated from the Old French word pic, which meant pickaxe or mattock. The Old French term itself came from the Medieval Latin word picus, meaning pickaxe. The word ax is a variant of axe or ax, which traces back to the Old English word eaxe and the Proto-Germanic term aksaz. Ultimately, pickax can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ak'-, which means sharp or pointed.
Similar spelling words for PICKAX
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