Definition

The leftover material or waste that remains after a process, especially in mining or manufacturing, such as the refuse after extracting valuable minerals from ore.

Example

The mining company had to find a way to manage the tailing produced during the extraction process.

Conversation

Did you see the tailing left from the construction site?

Yeah, it looked like a mess!

I wonder how they can clean up all that tailing efficiently.

Hopefully, they have a plan, or it’ll just keep piling up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tailing is derived from the word 'tail' (from Old English 'tægel', meaning the rear part of something) combined with the suffix '-ing' (indicating an action or process). The term 'tailing' refers to the action or process related to the tail, often used in contexts like following closely behind or the act of removing the tail from something.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'tail' as the rear part of something, and the '-ing' shows it's an action related to that tail. So, 'tailing' means doing something with the tail or following closely behind.

Visually Confused Words