coal-bed

A miner examines a thick coal-bed deep underground.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A coal-bed is a stratum or layer of coal in the earth's crust, typically formed from compressed organic matter over millions of years. It is a geological deposit of coal that can be mined.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The miners discovered a thick coal-bed at a depth of 200 meters. (A layer of coal found underground.)
  • Geologists studied the coal-bed to estimate its carbon content. (Examining the geological stratum for fuel quality.)

Advanced Usage

• "coal-bed methane": A specific type of natural gas extracted from coal beds.

  • Coal-bed methane is an important energy source in some regions. (Gas trapped within the coal layer.)

• "coal-bed fire": A fire that burns within a coal bed, often underground and difficult to extinguish.

  • The coal-bed fire in the abandoned mine has been burning for decades. (A persistent subterranean blaze.)

Variants and Related Words

• Coal seam (n): another term for a coal bed, often used interchangeably in mining.

  • The coal seam was rich and easy to access. (A layer of coal.)

• Coal field (n): a region containing multiple coal beds.

  • The Appalachian coal field has many productive coal beds. (An area with coal deposits.)

Synonyms

• Coal seam: a layer of coal in the earth.
• Coal layer: a stratum of coal.

Related Idioms