open-pit

[ oh-puhn-pit ]

adjective

, Mining.

1. noting or pertaining to a type of surface mining in which massive, usually metallic mineral deposits are removed by cutting benches in the walls of a broad, deep funnel-shaped excavation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of open-pit¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

We descend an open pit, three or four fathoms deep, forming the courtyard.

From Project Gutenberg

The cableway is so economical in its working that it has greatly advanced the process of "open-pit" mining.

From Project Gutenberg

In the centre the companion ladder plunged down sheerly like an open pit.

From Project Gutenberg

Here's the old glory-hole (an open pit, not a shaft), an' nobody's been here!

From Project Gutenberg

Smoothed out, and covered with rags, they are taken to an open pit at the foot of a Calvary.

From Project Gutenberg