Tunneling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🚇
tunneling
[ˈtʌnəlɪŋ ]
Definitions
engineering process
Tunneling refers to the process of creating tunnels, primarily for the purposes of transportation, utilities, or mining. It involves various methods of excavation and construction, such as drilling and blasting or using tunnel boring machines. Tunneling plays a crucial role in urban infrastructure and the development of underground spaces.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The tunneling project for the subway system is ahead of schedule.
- Tunneling can significantly reduce travel time between cities.
- Advanced tunneling techniques minimize environmental impact.
- Safety is a top priority in tunneling operations.
infrastructure development
To tunnel is to dig a long, narrow hole underground, typically to create a pathway or passage for transport or utilities. This activity is crucial in civil engineering projects and often requires specialized skills and machinery.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- They plan to tunnel through the mountain to connect the two towns.
- The engineers will tunnel beneath the river to lay the new pipeline.
- It is challenging to tunnel in unstable soil conditions.
- We need to tunnel deeper to reach the bedrock.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Engineering
- Tunneling is critical for building roads and railways, allowing travel underground to avoid obstacles.
- The technique uses various methods, like boring machines or explosives, depending on the soil and rock conditions.
- The longest tunnel in the world, the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, stretches over 57 kilometers (35 miles) and is used for trains.
Biology
- Many animals, like moles and rabbits, dig tunnels for shelter and to store food, demonstrating instinctual and adaptive behavior.
- Tunneling can also help aerate the soil, aiding in plant growth by allowing air and water to reach roots.
- Certain species, such as earthworms, contribute to tunneling in soil, enhancing its quality and structure.
Pop Culture
- In the world of video games, tunneling often refers to characters creating shortcuts or hiding spots underground.
- Movies like 'The Great Escape' depict characters tunneling as a dramatic means of escaping captivity.
- The animated film 'Aliens in the Attic' features characters who use tunneling as a creative plot device, blending adventure and comedy.
Historical Significance
- In ancient times, tunneling was used in warfare, such as during sieges where armies dug to undermine walls.
- The construction of the underground sections of the Paris Metro began in the late 19th century and was an engineering marvel of its time.
- The 19th-century construction of the Thames Tunnel marked a significant advancement in civil engineering, connecting Rotherhithe and Wapping in London.
Origin of 'tunneling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'tonnel', meaning 'a small arch or tunnel'.
- In English, it has been used since the 19th century to describe both natural and man-made passages.
- The '-ing' suffix indicates the action of making tunnels, showing an ongoing process.
The term 'tunneling' comes from the Middle English word 'tunel,' which means a small tunnel or passage. Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'tonnel,' which means 'cask' or 'tunnel,' and ultimately to the Latin term 'tunna,' meaning 'cask' or 'vat.' Tunneling has been an essential technique since ancient times, with evidence of tunnels found in the Roman aqueducts and mining operations. As urbanization increased, the need for efficient underground transport systems grew, leading to the development of modern tunneling methods and technologies. Today, tunneling is a highly specialized field, incorporating advancements in engineering and safety to address the challenges of constructing underground infrastructures.