mining
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earthSynonyms: excavation
- laying explosive mines in concealed places to destroy enemy personnel and equipmentSynonyms: minelaying
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.To dig away, or otherwise remove, the substratum or foundation of; to lay a mine under; to sap; to undermine; hence, to ruin or destroy by slow degrees or secret means. [1913 Webster]
They mined the walls.— Hayward.[1913 Webster]
Too lazy to cut down these immense trees, the spoilers . . . had mined them, and placed a quantity of gunpowder in the cavity.— Sir W. Scott.[1913 Webster]
2.To dig into, for ore or metal. [1913 Webster]
Lead veins have been traced . . . but they have not been mined.— Ure.[1913 Webster]
3.To get, as metals, out of the earth by digging. [1913 Webster]
The principal ore mined there is the bituminous cinnabar.— Ure.[1913 Webster]
Mining \Min"ing\, n. [See Mine, v. i.] The act or business of making mines or of working them. [1913 Webster]
Mining \Min"ing\, a. Of or pertaining to mines; as, mining engineer; mining machinery; a mining region. [1913 Webster]
Mining engineering. See the Note under Engineering. [1913 Webster]