Pickaxe

A pickaxe is a hand tool with a long handle and a heavy, typically curved, head. One end of the head usually comes to a sharp point, while the other can be a blunt chisel or another point. It's designed primarily for breaking up hard materials like rock, stone, or frozen ground, particularly in mining, construction, and quarrying. The user swings the pickaxe, driving the point or chisel into the material to fracture it. The pickaxe's effectiveness lies in concentrating force on a small area, leveraging both weight and swing momentum.

Pickaxe meaning with examples

• The seasoned miner gripped his pickaxe, its steel head glinting in the lamplight. With a powerful swing, he struck the stubborn rock face, the impact reverberating through the tunnel. After repeated blows, fragments of ore began to loosen, and a narrow seam was revealed, promising a rich vein of gold. This pickaxe was more than a tool; it was an extension of his strength and experience.
• Construction workers used the pickaxe to break up the concrete pavement, creating space to lay down the water main pipe. The rhythmic clang of the pickaxe against the asphalt filled the air, a testament to the challenging job. The foreman supervised, shouting instructions, ensuring the workers maintained a steady pace while wearing their protective gear.
• During the archaeological dig, a team carefully employed pickaxes to excavate the ancient ruins. They worked with precision, attempting to uncover fragile artifacts buried deep beneath layers of compacted earth. The pickaxe proved to be perfect, a tool to slowly uncover history, preserving the treasures hidden away within the earth.
• Mountain climbers had to bring a pickaxe to navigate the frozen peaks on their expeditions. The tool was used as an ice axe to secure safe footing during challenging ascents. The climber carefully chopped away at the ice, creating steps or holding points. This tool provides balance and a sense of security.