Gunite

/ˈɡjuːnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A building material made of cement, sand, and water sprayed through a hose at high pressure onto a surface, used for construction and repairs.

Etymology

Proprietary term from early 20th-century America, combining 'gun' (sprayed/shot) + '-ite' (suffix). Patented around 1923, 'gunite' describes a spray-applied concrete method that revolutionized construction technology.

Kelly Says

Gunite was patented and the trademark was carefully maintained—some companies still try to own it, though it's become genericized, showing how successful brand names can accidentally create new vocabulary that escapes their owners.

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