power-shovel

A construction worker operates a large power-shovel at a building site.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical excavating machine: "power-shovel" refers to a large, engine-driven piece of equipment used for digging and moving earth, typically consisting of a bucket attached to a boom and operated by hydraulic or cable systems. It is commonly used in construction, mining, and quarrying.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The construction crew used a power-shovel to dig the foundation for the new building. (A mechanical excavator for earthmoving.)
  • In the open-pit mine, a massive power-shovel loaded trucks with ore. (A large digging machine in industrial settings.)

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a power-shovel": to control or drive this machine.

  • He was trained to operate a power-shovel safely on the site. (To use the excavator for its intended purpose.)

• "power-shovel operator": a person skilled in using this equipment.

  • The power-shovel operator carefully removed the debris from the trench. (The worker who controls the machine.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shovel (n): a tool with a broad blade used for digging or moving loose material.

  • He used a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway. (A hand tool, not the machine.)

• Power (n): mechanical or electrical energy used to drive machines.

  • The power-shovel relies on diesel power for its operation. (The energy source for the machine.)

Synonyms

• Excavator: a general term for a machine that digs and moves earth.
• Digger: an informal term for a digging machine.
• Backhoe: a specific type of excavator with a digging bucket on the back.

Related Idioms

• (The term is technical and used in specific contexts.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (The word is a compound noun and does not form verb phrases.)