coal-dust
Definition
- Noun (uncountable):
- Fine particles of coal: "coal-dust" refers to the small, powdery fragments or particles of coal, often produced during the mining, handling, or crushing of coal.
Usage Examples
- (Fine coal particles in the air.)
- (A layer of powdery coal residue.)
- (Suspended fine particles.)
Advanced Usage
- "coal-dust explosion": a dangerous event where fine coal particles in the air ignite, causing a violent blast.
- The mine was sealed after a coal-dust explosion killed several workers. (An explosion caused by airborne coal particles.)
- "coal-dust lung": a medical condition (pneumoconiosis) caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust.
- Many retired miners suffer from coal-dust lung. (A chronic respiratory disease.)
Variants and Related Words
- Coal (n): a black or dark-brown combustible mineral used as fuel.
- The power plant burns coal to generate electricity.
- Dust (n): fine, dry particles of matter.
- The shelf was covered in dust.
- Coal-dusted (adj): covered or coated with coal dust.
- The coal-dusted clothes needed a thorough wash.
Synonyms
- Coal powder: finely ground coal, similar in meaning.
- Coal fines: small coal particles, often used in industrial contexts.
- Coal grit: coarse coal particles, sometimes used interchangeably.
Related Idioms
- "Coal dust in one's veins": a figurative expression meaning a deep connection to coal mining or the coal industry.
- He has coal dust in his veins; his family has worked in the mines for generations. (A strong heritage in coal mining.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Dust off: to remove dust from something.
- He had to dust off his boots after walking through coal-dust. (To clean away the coal particles.)