Definition

1. Noun:
   • A construction machine: A concrete mixer is a piece of equipment used on construction sites. Its primary function is to combine cement, aggregate (such as sand or gravel), and water to form concrete.
   • Key component - revolving drum: The defining feature of a concrete mixer is its large, revolving drum. This drum rotates to mix the components thoroughly into a uniform, workable concrete mixture before it is poured.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The construction crew used a concrete mixer to prepare the foundation for the new building.
  • You can hear the concrete mixer turning from down the street.
  • For a small patio project, you can rent a portable concrete mixer.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a concrete mixer": to be in control of the machine's functions.
  • He is trained to operate a concrete mixer safely.
• "the drum of a concrete mixer": specifically referring to the rotating mixing container.
  • The drum of the concrete mixer must be cleaned after each use to prevent hardened concrete.

Variants and Related Words

• Cement mixer: (noun) A common synonym for "concrete mixer." The terms are often used interchangeably, though "concrete" is the final product, while "cement" is one of its ingredients.
  • The delivery truck is essentially a large cement mixer on wheels.
• Mobile mixer / Truck mixer: (noun) A concrete mixer mounted on a truck, used for transporting and mixing concrete during transit to a job site.
  • The ready-mix concrete arrived in a truck mixer.

Synonyms

• Mixer: In a construction context, "mixer" can be a shortened, informal form.
• Mixing machine: A more general descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• To load the mixer: To put the raw materials (cement, sand, gravel, water) into the concrete mixer.
  • Before starting, the workers need to load the mixer with the correct proportions.
• To discharge concrete: To empty the mixed concrete from the drum of the mixer.
  • The operator tilted the drum to discharge the concrete into the wheelbarrow.

Related Idioms

Note: "Concrete mixer" itself is a technical term and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. The related idioms often use the word "concrete" in a figurative sense. - To be set in concrete: To be fixed and unchangeable (like hardened concrete). This idiom relates to the material the machine produces. - The schedule isn't set in concrete yet; we can still make adjustments. - To have concrete evidence: To have solid, tangible proof. This also relates to the solidity of the material. - The prosecutor presented concrete evidence to the jury.

Noun

1. a machine with a large revolving drum in which cement is mixed with other materials to make concrete