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stope

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /stoʊp/

KK: /stoʊp/

noun
Definition

A stepped excavation in a mine where ore is removed from steeply inclined or vertical veins.


Example

The miners carefully descended into the stope to extract the valuable minerals.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen a stope in a mine?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it look like?
Sloth A
It's basically like a staircase cut into the rock for mining.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! I would love to explore one.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
slope
ledge
bench
Antonyms
fill
backfill
mound
transitive verb
Definition

To extract ore from a mine using a specific method called stope.


Example

The miners worked hard to stope the valuable minerals from the deep tunnels.


Tense Forms

Past: stoped

Past Participle: stoped


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen how they stope in the mines?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What does that even mean?
Sloth A
It’s when they remove ore from a mine using a specific method.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

The word 'stope' originates from the Old English 'stōp', meaning a step or stair. It refers to a step or a series of steps, particularly in mining, where it describes a step-like excavation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'stōp' as a step, and remember that 'stope' refers to a step or series of steps, especially in a mining context.

Visually Confused Words
tope
sope
strophe
stooper
stomper
sterope
isotope
trope
Is this page helpful?
That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about mining techniques.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
extract
mine
quarry
Antonyms
deposit
add
insert