Goldmine: meaning, definitions and examples
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goldmine
[ ˈɡoʊldˌmaɪn ]
valuable resource
A goldmine is an area where gold is extracted from the ground. It can also refer metaphorically to a very profitable venture or source of wealth.
Synonyms
bonanza, lucrative venture, windfall.
Examples of usage
- They found an old goldmine in the mountains.
- The new technology was a goldmine for the company.
- His knowledge of the subject was a goldmine for the researchers.
Translations
Translations of the word "goldmine" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mina de ouro
🇮🇳 सोने की खान
🇩🇪 Goldmine
🇮🇩 tambang emas
🇺🇦 золота шахта
🇵🇱 kopalnia złota
🇯🇵 金鉱
🇫🇷 mine d'or
🇪🇸 mina de oro
🇹🇷 altın madeni
🇰🇷 금광
🇸🇦 منجم ذهب
🇨🇿 zlatý důl
🇸🇰 zlatá baňa
🇨🇳 金矿
🇸🇮 zlata jama
🇮🇸 gull námur
🇰🇿 алтын кен орны
🇬🇪 ოქროს საბადო
🇦🇿 qızıl mədən
🇲🇽 mina de oro
Etymology
The term 'goldmine' originates from the combination of two English words: 'gold', which comes from the Old English 'geolu' meaning 'yellow', referring to the precious metal, and 'mine', which traces back to the Latin 'minera', meaning 'to extract'. The term has been in use since the 19th century, particularly during the Gold Rush era, when large numbers of prospectors moved to areas like California in search of gold. Over time, the term has evolved beyond its literal meaning, often being used metaphorically to describe any situation, job, or idea that can generate a significant amount of profit or benefit, reflecting the treasure-hunting mentality attached to the original gold mining activities.