sand-blast

A worker uses a sand-blast to clean a metal surface.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A stream of sand propelled by compressed air or steam: "sand-blast" refers to a high-velocity jet of sand used for cleaning, smoothing, or etching surfaces such as stone, metal, or glass.
   • A machine that produces such a stream: "sand-blast" can also denote the apparatus used to direct the sand jet.
   • A destructive force: Metaphorically, "sand-blast" describes a powerful, eroding force, like a sandstorm or relentless criticism.

2. Verb:

   • To clean or shape a surface using a sand-blast: "sand-blast" means to direct a stream of sand at high pressure to remove dirt, rust, paint, or to roughen a surface for artistic effect.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The workers used a sand-blast to clean the old stone facade. (A jet of sand to remove grime.)
  • The glass was etched by a sand-blast in the factory. (The machine that roughens glass.)

• Verb:

  • They had to sand-blast the metal bridge to remove rust before painting. (To clean with a sand jet.)
  • The artist sand-blasted the glass panel to create a frosted design. (To etch using sand.)

Advanced Usage

• "to sand-blast away": to remove something completely using a sand-blast.

  • The graffiti was sand-blasted away from the wall. (Eliminated by the sand jet.)

• "sand-blasted" (adjective): describing a surface treated by sand-blasting.

  • The sand-blasted concrete had a rough, textured finish. (Surface roughened by the process.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sandblasting (noun): the process or act of using a sand-blast.

  • Sandblasting is common in industrial cleaning. (The action of applying the sand jet.)

• Sandblaster (noun): a person who operates a sand-blast machine.

  • The sandblaster wore protective gear. (The worker performing the task.)

Synonyms

• Abrasive blasting: a general term for cleaning with abrasive materials.
• Grit blasting: similar to sand-blasting but using other abrasives like steel grit.
• Etching: for glass or metal, when sand-blasting is used for decorative purposes.

Phrasal Verbs

• Sand-blast off: to remove a layer or coating by sand-blasting.

  • They sand-blasted off the old paint from the car. (Removed paint via the jet.)

• Sand-blast through: to penetrate or erode a surface with sand-blasting.

  • The sand-blast quickly went through the thin metal sheet. (Pierced the material.)

Related Idioms

• Like a sand-blast: describing something that erodes or wears away gradually and forcefully.
  • Constant criticism acted like a sand-blast on his confidence. (Eroded his self-esteem over time.)