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Clinker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clinker

[ˈklɪŋ.kər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

construction material

Clinker refers to the hard, often lumpy material produced when a mixture of clay and limestone in the manufacture of cement is heated to high temperatures. It is an essential component in the production of Portland cement, which is widely used in construction due to its strength and durability. The resulting clinker may be ground into a fine powder and mixed with other materials to create cement that binds concrete and masonry. In addition to its use in the cement industry, clinker can also refer to the residues left from combustion processes in other industrial applications.

Synonyms

cinder, fired clay, residue.

Examples of usage

  • The worker transported the clinker to the grinding mill.
  • Clinker is a key ingredient in making strong concrete.
  • The factory produced high-quality clinker for local builders.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Construction

  • In brickmaking, clinkers can affect the quality of bricks, creating a more durable product.
  • Clinkers are also identified in the fireplace, indicating the remains of burnt coal.
  • In construction terminology, managing clinkers is crucial for ensuring the structure's integrity.

Geology

  • In geology, clinkers refer to hardened volcanic ash that has been sintered and crystallized.
  • They can provide valuable clues about volcanic activity and the history of geological formations.

Waste Management

  • Clinkers are considered a beneficial by-product in waste-to-energy systems, where they are used in construction and landscaping.
  • Proper disposal of clinkers is important as they can be heavy and impact landfill operations.

Cultural References

  • In the early 20th century, clinkers became a popular feature in American architecture, created through the use of burnt brick and stone.
  • The term has also found its way into slang, where 'clinker' can refer to a blunder or mistake!

Origin of 'clinker'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the verb 'clink', meaning to make a short, sharp sound, which reflects the sound of the pieces.
  • It was first recorded in the early 19th century, originally used in the context of smelting and metallurgy.

The term 'clinker' originates from the late 18th century, derived from the verb 'clink', which means to make a sharp, ringing sound, often related to the sound of pieces of hard material breaking or falling. The etymology traces back to the Old English 'clincan', meaning 'to clink or to strike together'. The use of this term in the construction and manufacturing industries became prominent as the processes of heating clay materials at high temperatures became standardized, leading to the production of a hard, brittle mass known as clinker. As the cement industry grew, so did the terminology, with 'clinker' becoming specifically associated with the output of the cement manufacturing process. The word reflects both the material's quality and the industrial processes developed in the 19th century that revolutionized construction techniques.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,770, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.