PITMAN Meaning and
Definition
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Pitman is a noun that can refer to two different concepts, one being a person and the other an object.
As a person, a pitman refers to an individual who works in a mine. Typically associated with coal mining, a pitman is someone employed to extract or excavate coal from underground mines. These workers face physically demanding and hazardous conditions, usually working in teams to operate machinery, cut or blast through rock, and extract coal from beneath the earth's surface. Pitmen often wear specific protective gear, such as helmets, goggles, and respiratory devices, due to the inherent risks involved in mining. Their work is integral to the production of coal, a valuable natural resource used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and heating.
However, pitman can also be used to describe an object called a "pitman arm." In mechanical engineering, a pitman arm is a component of a mechanical linkage system, commonly seen in the steering mechanisms of vehicles and some machinery. It connects the steering gear to the steering linkage, transmitting the motion and force applied by the driver to control the movement of the wheels. Pitman arms are typically designed as lever arms, providing the necessary torque and angular motion to facilitate steering. High-quality materials and sturdiness are vital in the construction of a pitman arm, ensuring it can handle the stresses and forces involved in steering operations.
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A worker in a pit in coal-mining; coal-pit, a deep excavation among the earth's strata from which coals are extracted.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PITMAN
Etymology of PITMAN
The word "pitman" originated in the English language and has its roots in the occupation of mining. It is derived from the word "pit", which refers to a deep hole or shaft dug in the ground for mining purposes. The suffix "-man" is a common English suffix used to denote a person associated with a particular occupation or activity. Therefore, a "pitman" originally referred to a person who worked in a pit or mine, typically in the coal mining industry. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings, including someone who operates machinery, as seen in the context of steam engines and mechanical devices.
Similar spelling words for PITMAN
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