burn pit

American  

[burn pit] / ˈbɜrn ˌpɪt /

noun

1. an area used for the open-air burning of trash and/or brush.

   The county banned residential burn pits years ago, but every so often it’s obvious that someone’s burning a pile of twigs and leaves.

2. U.S. Military. an often expansive area, at or adjacent to a base of operations, used for the uncontrolled, open-air burning of military waste, including plastics, chemicals, rubber, paint, fuels, munitions, human and medical waste, metals, and electronics: generative of toxic smoke and fumes that have been associated with a number of short- and long-term ailments suffered by exposed military personnel and civilians.

---

Etymology

Origin of burn pit

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Now, the law requires the VA to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit or other toxic exposure without the veterans having to prove the link.

From Seattle Times

Between 2007 and 2020, fewer than a quarter of the claims submitted by veterans about conditions related to burn pit exposure were granted.

From New York Times

Before the law, about three-quarters of disability claims involving burn pit exposure were denied by the government.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Biden suspects that his son’s death was caused by burn pit exposure while deployed to Iraq from 2008 to 2009, but the link is unproven.

From Washington Times

It also directs the VA to presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, letting veterans obtain disability payments to compensate for their injuries without having to prove the illness was a result of their service.

From Washington Times