Definition

A heavy tool used for breaking up hard ground or rock, with a pointed end and a flat edge.

Example

The miner used a pickaxe to break through the rocky surface.

Conversation

I found an old pickaxe in my garage yesterday.

Really? That's pretty cool! What do you plan to do with it?

I was thinking of using it to break some rocks in the garden.

That sounds like a fun project! Just be careful with that pickaxe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To use a tool with a heavy metal head and a long handle for breaking up hard ground or rock.

Example

He had to pickaxe the ground to create a hole for the post.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I saw a video where they pickaxe through solid rock.

That sounds intense! I can't imagine how hard that must be.

Yeah, but it looks so satisfying when they finally break through.

Root Explanation

**Pickaxe** → The word is formed from "pick" (from Old English *picca*, meaning a pointed tool) and "axe" (from Old English *æx*, meaning a cutting tool). A pickaxe is a tool that combines the functions of a pointed tool and a cutting tool, used for breaking up hard surfaces.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pointed tool' ('pick') combined with a 'cutting tool' ('axe') — that's what a pickaxe is used for.

Visually Confused Words