An industrial furnace or facility used to convert coal into coke (a fuel used in steel-making); or someone who operates such equipment.
From 'coke' (processed coal) with the agent suffix '-er' (one who does). The term emerged in the industrial era as coal-processing technology developed.
Cokers were absolutely essential to steel production and industrial growth—Pittsburgh became famous partly because of its coking facilities. The intense heat and chemistry involved in turning coal into coke is actually pretty amazing industrial chemistry!
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