Quarry

A quarry is a place, typically an open-pit, where stone, sand, gravel, or other materials are extracted from the earth by cutting or digging. It can also refer to the act of extracting these materials. Beyond its literal meaning, "quarry" describes the object of a hunt or pursuit. This extended sense often suggests vulnerability or a strategic target. The word evokes images of extraction, shaping raw materials, and, in the figurative sense, of pursuit and the acquisition of something of value or something to be destroyed. The primary purpose of a quarry is to provide resources for construction, manufacturing, and other industrial processes.

Quarry meaning with examples

• The construction crew visited the local quarry to select the granite for the building's facade. They carefully examined the different grades and colors, seeking the perfect stone. The sound of heavy machinery echoed across the quarry as workers loaded the extracted rock onto trucks for transportation. The quarry offered a vast selection, representing the region's unique geological history.
• During the archaeological dig, the team discovered an ancient quarry where the indigenous people had sourced the stone to build their settlements. This discovery provided insights into their technology and organization. They carefully documented the different stages of extraction and the tools used. The site helped determine the cultural history of the people by dating the quarry.
• The detective pursued the suspect relentlessly, knowing the fugitive had a small window to make his escape. The investigation was focused on uncovering the suspect's plans, which meant he would eventually be caught. After weeks of searching, the suspect was found, and the detective was able to stop his plan before he was able to execute.
• The software company considered its primary competitor its biggest quarry, aiming to outmaneuver it in the market and gain market share. This meant anticipating its competitor's strategies and planning its own moves. Every move the competitor made required a counter-strategy, allowing the software company to grow its portfolio.