Hopper

A hopper is a container or receptacle, usually with a sloping bottom and a discharge gate or spout, used to store and dispense bulk materials like grain, coal, or ore. It can also refer to a person or device that jumps or leaps. In the context of machinery, a hopper feeds material into a process. The design facilitates controlled distribution of contents, ensuring a consistent flow. The capacity varies greatly depending on the intended use, ranging from small containers for feeding pets to large industrial storage units. Hoppers play a crucial role in various industries, including agriculture, mining, and food processing. They are often associated with automatic or semi-automatic systems, contributing to efficiency and streamlined operations.

Hopper meaning with examples

• The farmer filled the grain hopper on his combine harvester, allowing him to continue harvesting the wheat field without stopping.
• The coal hopper at the power plant was massive, capable of holding several days' worth of fuel to ensure continuous electricity production.
• The pet store sold a small hopper for birdseed, making it easy to provide food for the canaries.
• The automatic feeder system utilized a hopper to dispense kibble for the fish, providing consistent portions without human intervention.
• During the construction process the cement hopper was used to feed the concrete mixer