coal-field

A large coal-field stretches across the valley.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A region where coal is found or mined: "coal-field" refers to a geographic area or district that contains deposits of coal, typically extracted through mining operations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The coal-field in West Virginia has been a major source of energy for over a century. (A region where coal deposits are located and mined.)
  • Many towns in the coal-field rely on mining as their primary economic activity. (Communities situated in an area of coal extraction.)
  • Exploration revealed a new coal-field beneath the rural farmland. (A newly discovered area with coal reserves.)

Advanced Usage

• "to open up a coal-field": to begin mining operations in a new area of coal deposits.

  • The company plans to open up a coal-field in the northern province. (To start extraction in a coal-rich region.)

• "coal-field community": a town or settlement whose economy and culture are centered around coal mining.

  • The coal-field community celebrated the mine's anniversary. (A town dependent on the local coal industry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coalfield (n): alternative spelling (often used as a single word).

  • The coalfield extends for miles underground. (The area of coal deposits.)

• Coal (n): the combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock mined from a coal-field.

  • Coal from this field is high in carbon content. (The raw material extracted.)

• Field (n): a broad area of open land or a region of natural resource deposits.

  • This field also contains natural gas. (A general term for a resource area.)

Synonyms

• Coal basin: a geological depression containing coal seams.
• Coal district: an administrative or geographical region known for coal mining.
• Mining area: a region where extraction of minerals occurs.

Related Idioms

• "carry coals to Newcastle": to do something unnecessary or redundant (Newcastle is a historic coal-field in England).
  • Selling ice to the Arctic is like carrying coals to Newcastle. (A pointless action, referencing a coal-rich area.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Strike coal: to discover a coal deposit, often in a coal-field.
  • The drillers struck coal at a depth of 200 meters. (To find coal while exploring.)