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Pickaxe: meaning, definitions and examples

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pickaxe

 

[ ˈpɪk.æks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

tool for mining

A pickaxe is a hand tool used for breaking up hard ground or rock. It typically consists of a long wooden or metal handle with a dual-headed metal or pointed blades on either end. The pickaxe is commonly used in mining, construction, and historical conflicts as a weapon. Its design allows it to penetrate tough materials, making it effective for digging and prying.

Synonyms

digging tool, pick, spike

Examples of usage

  • He used a pickaxe to dig a trench.
  • The miner swung his pickaxe against the solid rock.
  • She found a pickaxe in the shed.
  • The children pretended to be miners with their toy pickaxes.

Translations

Translations of the word "pickaxe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picareta

🇮🇳 कुदाल

🇩🇪 Spitzhacke

🇮🇩 palu

🇺🇦 кирка

🇵🇱 kilof

🇯🇵 つるはし

🇫🇷 pioche

🇪🇸 pico

🇹🇷 kürek

🇰🇷 곡괭이

🇸🇦 فأس

🇨🇿 krumpáč

🇸🇰 kľúč

🇨🇳 镐

🇸🇮 pickaxe

🇮🇸 kafli

🇰🇿 балта

🇬🇪 კრახუნა

🇦🇿 pik

🇲🇽 pico

Etymology

The word 'pickaxe' originated from the medieval English term 'pick' combined with the word 'axe.' The word 'pick' refers to a pointed tool that was used for hewing rock and breaking up earth, while 'axe' has its roots in the Old English 'æx,' meaning a tool for chopping. The combination of these two words highlights the dual nature of the tool itself, serving both as a digging and breaking instrument. This versatile tool has been essential in many aspects of human labor, especially in mining, agriculture, and construction. The design of the pickaxe has evolved over centuries, but its fundamental purpose has remained unchanged. Throughout history, pickaxes have also found use in combat situations, symbolizing the raw labor and struggle of the working class.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,837 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.