dragline

dragline

A large dragline excavator uses its dragline to scoop earth at a mining site.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of excavating machine: "dragline" refers to a large piece of heavy equipment used in mining and civil engineering, consisting of a bucket attached to a long boom via cables, which is dragged toward the machine to scoop up material.
    • A cable or line used for dragging: In a more general sense, a "dragline" is a strong rope or cable used to pull or drag heavy objects.
Usage Examples

  • Machine:

    • The mining company operates a massive dragline to remove overburden from the coal seam. (A large excavator that drags a bucket to remove soil and rock.)
    • Draglines are commonly used in strip mining because they can handle large volumes of material. (Excavating machines designed for dragging actions.)

  • Cable:

    • The workers attached a dragline to the fallen tree to pull it out of the road. (A strong rope used for dragging.)
    • On the fishing boat, the dragline was used to haul nets back aboard. (A line used for pulling heavy loads.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Dragline operation": the process of using a dragline excavator.

    • The dragline operation requires skilled operators to manage the boom and bucket efficiently. (The use of the machine in a work setting.)

  • "Dragline bucket": the scoop or container attached to the dragline cable.

    • The dragline bucket can hold several tons of earth at once. (The bucket component of the excavating machine.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Dragline excavator (n): the full name of the machine.

    • A dragline excavator is often used in large-scale surface mining. (The complete term for the equipment.)

  • Dragline cable (n): the specific cable used in the dragline system.

    • The dragline cable must be inspected regularly for wear. (The cable component of the machine or apparatus.)
Synonyms
  • Excavator: a general term for digging machinery.
  • Dredge line: a cable or line used in dredging operations (similar in function).
Related Idioms
  • "Drag one's feet": to delay or act slowly (not directly related to dragline, but shares the concept of dragging).