steam crane

A steam crane lifts heavy steel beams at the construction site.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A crane powered by steam: "Steam crane" refers to a lifting machine that uses a steam engine to power its hoisting and movement mechanisms. It was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for construction, railway work, and heavy lifting before the widespread adoption of diesel and electric cranes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The workers used a steam crane to lift the heavy steel beams onto the bridge. (A crane powered by steam was employed for heavy construction.)
  • At the railway yard, an old steam crane was still in operation, loading coal onto trains. (The steam-powered crane was used for moving heavy cargo.)

Advanced Usage

• "Steam crane" as a historical term: Often used to describe preserved or antique machinery.
  • The museum displayed a fully restored steam crane from the 1890s. (An old, steam-powered crane is shown as a historical artifact.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steam-powered crane (n): a crane that operates using steam energy; synonymous with "steam crane."
  • The steam-powered crane was a marvel of engineering in its time. (A crane using steam for power.)
• Crane (n): a machine for lifting and moving heavy objects, typically using cables and pulleys.
  • A modern crane uses electricity, unlike the old steam crane. (A general lifting machine.)

Synonyms

• Steam-powered hoist: a lifting device driven by steam.
  • The railway yard installed a steam-powered hoist for loading freight. (A synonym focusing on the lifting aspect.)

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly involving "steam crane," but related to "crane" or "steam.")
• "Crane one's neck": to stretch one's neck to see something better (unrelated to the machine).
  • He craned his neck to see the steam crane in action. (He stretched to watch the machine.)