steam-coal
Definition
Noun: "steam-coal" refers to a type of coal that is suitable for generating steam in boilers. It is a high-quality, non-coking coal used primarily to produce heat and power in industrial settings.
Usage Examples
- (Coal used for steam generation in industrial machinery.)
- (Coal specifically chosen for its ability to produce steam efficiently.)
Advanced Usage
"steam-coal grade": a classification of coal based on its calorific value and suitability for steam production.
- The mine produces a high-grade steam-coal that is exported to power plants. (Coal of a quality ideal for steam boilers.)
"steam-coal seam": a layer of coal in the earth that yields steam-grade coal.
- Geologists discovered a new steam-coal seam beneath the valley. (A deposit of coal suitable for steam generation.)
Variants and Related Words
Steam coal (n, also written without hyphen): the same meaning; the hyphenated form is less common but used in formal contexts.
- The power station burns steam coal to generate electricity. (Coal for steam production.)
Coking coal (n): a different type of coal used for making coke in steel production, not suitable for steam generation.
- Unlike coking coal, steam-coal is burned directly for heat. (A contrasting coal type.)
Synonyms
- Thermal coal: coal used for heat and power generation, synonymous with steam-coal in industrial contexts.
- Steam-grade coal: another term emphasizing the coal's purpose.
Related Idioms
- "Coal in the boiler": not a direct idiom, but a phrase meaning the essential fuel for operation.
- Without steam-coal, the entire factory would grind to a halt. (The necessary resource for function.)
Phrasal Verbs
Burn steam-coal: to use steam-coal as fuel.
- The old engine burns steam-coal to produce pressure. (Consumes the coal for energy.)
Supply with steam-coal: to provide steam-coal for use.
- The company supplies the power plant with steam-coal. (Delivers the coal for its operation.)