What is steam shovel? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of steam shovel

steam shovelnoun

xẻng hơi nước

/ˈstiːm ʃʌvl//ˈstiːm ʃʌvl/

Where does the word steam shovel come from?

The word "steam shovel" derives from the 19th century, when engineering innovations transformed the way construction and mining operations were carried out. A steam shovel is a machine used to move large quantities of soil, rock, or other materials in mining, excavation, and construction sites. The term "steam" in this context refers to the fact that the shovel's digging mechanism is powered by steam, rather than electricity or internal combustion engines, which came to dominate later. The first steam shovels were developed in the 1830s, and they initially had limited success due to their high cost and technical limitations. However, by the late 1800s, significant improvements in steam engine technology, such as corrugated iron boilers and vertical-compound engines, made steam shovels more efficient and economically competitive with alternative excavation methods. The development and widespread use of steam shovels revolutionized the engineering and construction industries by enabling the rapid excavation of large-scale engineering projects such as the construction of railways, docks, and tunnels. The machines were also utilized in high-intensity mining operations, where their digging abilities proved vital in extracting hard and thick materials. Today, steam shovels are considered a significant milestone in the evolution of mining, construction, and engineering, and they continue to be used in specialized applications where their unique capabilities are still relevant.

Example of vocabulary steam shovelnamespace

  • The construction site was bustling with activity as several steam shovels scooped up dirt and moved it to nearby piles.
  • The steam shovel's iron teeth sank deep into the earth, allowing the operator to easily move massive rocks out of the way.
  • The steam shovel's stable base and powerful engine made it the perfect machine for digging into the rocky terrain.
  • The steam shovel's boiler hissed as it released steam, adding to the noise and excitement of the busy work site.
  • As the steam shovel's bucket filled with dirt, the operator expertly tilted it to dump the load onto the growing pile.

Synonyms and related words for steam shovel


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