WOODCHIPPER Meaning and
Definition
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A woodchipper, also known as a wood shredder, is a mechanical device specifically designed for processing and reducing wood into smaller, more manageable pieces or chips. It is commonly used in various sectors like forestry, landscaping, and agriculture. The woodchipper is primarily utilized to dispose of or repurpose large quantities of wood waste, such as branches, tree trunks, stumps, and other woody material.
Typically powered by an internal combustion engine, a woodchipper consists of a feed hopper, a cutting mechanism, and a collection chute or bag. When the wood waste is introduced into the feed hopper, it is pulled into the machine by a set of rotating blades or knives. These blades forcefully chip away at the wood, breaking it down into smaller pieces. The chips are then expelled through the collection chute or bag, ready to be utilized for various purposes like mulching, composting, or for fuel in biomass energy.
Woodchippers are available in various sizes and power sources, ranging from smaller, portable models suitable for residential use to larger, industrial-grade units used in commercial applications. Safety measures, such as built-in feed control mechanisms and safety interlocks, are often incorporated into the design of woodchippers to prevent accidents or injuries.
Overall, woodchippers play a crucial role in efficiently managing wood waste, promoting sustainable practices, and providing valuable resources for other uses, making them an essential tool in the modern wood processing industry.
Etymology of WOODCHIPPER
The word "woodchipper" is a compound word comprised of "wood" and "chipper".
"Wood" originates from the Old English word "wudu", which referred to the material from trees. This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "widuz" or "widu", meaning "tree". The word "wood" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning throughout the centuries, referring to the solid substance that comes from trees.
"Chipper" emerged in the late 19th century and was derived from the verb "to chip", which means "to cut or break into small pieces". This verb was derived from the Old English word "cippian", which means "to cut with a sharp instrument". The term "chipper" is often used to describe a person or machine that cuts or breaks things into small pieces.
