Blasthole

/ˈblæst.hoʊl/ noun

Definition

A hole drilled into rock where explosives are placed to break up the rock during mining or construction.

Etymology

From 'blast' (explosion) + 'hole' (opening). 'Blast' comes from Old Norse 'blása' meaning to blow. The compound emerged in the 19th century with industrial mining development.

Kelly Says

Blastholes are arranged in precise mathematical patterns in mines—miners calculate angles and depths to create chain reactions that break rock most efficiently, turning geology into an explosive puzzle.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.