white coal
Definition
Noun: - Water power used as a source of energy: "white coal" refers to hydroelectric power, especially when considered as a renewable and clean alternative to fossil fuels. The term metaphorically compares the energy generated by flowing water to the traditional fuel "coal," but with the adjective "white" to indicate its non-polluting nature.
Usage Examples
- (The area uses hydroelectric power generated by its rivers and waterfalls.)
- (Many nations are developing hydroelectric power to decrease reliance on coal, oil, or gas.)
Advanced Usage
"to tap white coal": to exploit or utilize hydroelectric resources.
- The government plans to tap white coal by building new dams. (The government intends to develop hydroelectric power through dam construction.)
"white coal as a renewable resource": emphasizing the sustainable and environmentally friendly nature of hydroelectricity.
- Unlike black coal, white coal produces no carbon emissions during operation. (Unlike traditional coal, hydroelectric power does not release carbon dioxide when generating electricity.)
Variants and Related Words
- White (adj): of the colour of milk or fresh snow, used here symbolically to denote cleanliness or purity.
- Coal (n): a black or dark brown combustible mineral used as fuel; the term "white coal" contrasts with "black coal" (traditional fossil fuel).
- Hydroelectricity (n): electricity generated by hydropower; a synonym for the energy source referred to as "white coal."
Synonyms
- Hydroelectric power: electricity produced by the energy of falling or flowing water.
- Water power: mechanical energy derived from the flow or fall of water.
- Clean energy: energy from renewable sources that do not pollute the environment.
Related Idioms
- "Not all that glitters is white coal": a play on the proverb "all that glitters is not gold," meaning that not every seemingly clean or renewable energy source is without drawbacks (e.g., environmental impact of dams).
- The new dam seems perfect, but not all that glitters is white coal — it may disrupt local ecosystems. (The dam appears ideal, but it may have hidden negative effects.)