Definition

Noun: The area immediately surrounding the top of a mine shaft, including the buildings, machinery, and infrastructure located there. It is the surface entrance and operational hub of a coal mine.

Usage

The term "pithead" specifically refers to the surface complex of a coal mine. It is used to describe the physical location and the collection of structures (like winding gear, offices, and baths) at the mine's entrance.

Examples

• The old pithead winding gear is now a preserved historical monument.
• Miners gathered at the pithead at the end of their shift.
• The new safety regulations required changes to the pithead facilities.

Advanced Usage

• "Pithead bath": A building at the pithead where miners could shower and change before and after their shifts underground.
• "Pithead price": The price of coal as sold at the mine, before transport costs are added.

Variants and Related Words

• Colliery (noun): A coal mine and its associated buildings. "Pithead" is a key part of a colliery.
• Shaft (noun): The vertical or near-vertical passage giving access to the mine. The pithead is located at the top of the shaft.

Synonyms

• Mine entrance
• Minehead
• Colliery surface works

Related Phrases

• At the pithead: Physically located in the area of the mine entrance.
  • The rescue team assembled at the pithead.

Noun

1. the entrance to a coal mine