Mining
/ˈmaɪnɪŋ/noun
The process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Germanic root meaning a vein or lode of ore, which is why early mining language was so tied to the idea of the earth’s hidden bloodstream.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, to intend; source of several Germanic words connected with directing or purpose”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*minwō / *minō
“a mine, vein, or shaft; an excavation for ore”
Old English
OE
mīn
“mine, a shaft or excavation for extracting ore”
Middle English
English
minen
“to dig for ore or minerals”
Modern English
English
mining
“the act or industry of extracting minerals from the ground”