Pickaxed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pickaxed
[ˈpɪkˌækst ]
Definition
action, mining
To pickaxe is to break up or loosen material with a pickaxe, typically in the context of mining or construction. This action is essential for extracting minerals and rocks from the earth’s crust.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The miners pickaxed the hard rock to reach the gold veins.
- After hours of digging, they finally pickaxed the last block.
- He pickaxed the ice to create a path through the frozen lake.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mining and Construction
- In mining, pickaxes were crucial in extracting minerals from the earth during the Gold Rush.
- Modern equipment often replaces pickaxes, but they symbolize hard labor and manual work.
- They are still used for gardening and landscaping to break up tough soil.
Cultural Significance
- Pickaxes are often seen in films and games as a symbol of adventure, like treasure hunting.
- In some cultures, pickaxes represent laborers and the working class, showcasing their role in construction and agriculture.
- Famous imagery includes miners in classic Western movies using pickaxes to dig for gold.
Art and Literature
- The poetic imagery of a pickaxe often represents struggle and the effort required to achieve something valuable.
- In the 1936 novel 'The Grapes of Wrath', it symbolizes the back-breaking work of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
- Artists sometimes use the pickaxe as a motif to depict themes of endurance and survival.
Sports and Recreation
- In rock climbing, a variation of the pickaxe—called an ice pick or ice axe—is critical for climbing icy terrains.
- Some fitness routines incorporate movements that simulate pickaxing for a full-body workout to build strength.
Origin of 'pickaxed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the combination of 'pick', meaning to choose or break, and 'axe', a tool for cutting.
- Historically, tools similar to the pickaxe have been used since Roman times for mining.
- It reflects the old English roots where 'pic' relates to piercing or breaking.
The term 'pickaxe' dates back to Middle English, derived from the combination of 'pick' and 'axe'. 'Pick' originates from the Old English 'pic', which refers to a pointed tool for piercing or digging, while 'axe' comes from the Old English 'æcs', meaning a tool for chopping. The use of the pickaxe has been significant in various historical contexts, particularly during the Gold Rush era, where it was a vital tool for miners seeking precious metals. Over time, the design and material of pickaxes evolved, but their fundamental purpose remained unchanged: to break through hard surfaces and facilitate mining and construction work.