How Do You Spell STOPES?

Pronunciation: [stˈə͡ʊps] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "stopes" is unusual as it contains a silent "e" at the end. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation is written as /stəʊps/. The "o" is pronounced as a diphthong, combining the sounds of "oh" and "oo." The silent "e" at the end of the word is used to indicate that the preceding vowel is pronounced long. "Stopes" is most commonly used to refer to an underground excavation in a mine, but it can also be used as a surname.

STOPES Meaning and Definition

1. Stopes are underground excavations in a mine that are created specifically for the extraction of ores or minerals. These excavations are usually narrow, vertical or steeply sloping passages that are formed by removing the ore or mineral from the surrounding rock.

   Stopes are crucial components of underground mining operations as they serve as a means to access and extract valuable resources. They are typically created by drilling and blasting processes, which involve drilling holes into the rock formation and then using explosives to break up the rock. Once the ore or mineral has been removed, it is transported to the surface for further processing.

   The size and shape of a stope can vary depending on the nature of the deposit being mined and the mining method being employed. Some stopes may be only a few meters in length, while others can extend for hundreds of meters. In terms of width, stopes are generally narrow enough to ensure easy access and extraction but wide enough to accommodate the mining equipment and personnel.

   Safety is a critical consideration in designing and working within stopes. Various support systems, such as rock bolts or timbers, may be used to prevent the collapse of the stope walls. Adequate ventilation and lighting are also essential for the safety and productivity of workers in these underground excavations.

   Overall, stopes play a fundamental role in underground mining by providing access to valuable minerals and ores while ensuring the safety and productivity of the mining operation.

Common Misspellings for STOPES

• atopes
• ztopes
• xtopes
• dtopes
• etopes
• wtopes
• sropes
• syopes
• s6opes
• s5opes
• stkpes
• stlpes
• stppes
• st0pes
• st9pes
• stooes
• sto-es
• sto0es
• stopws

Etymology of STOPES

The word "stopes" derives from the Middle English term "stope", which is believed to have originated from the Old English word "stoppian". "Stoppian" meant "to block up" or "to close", and it had various related meanings such as "to stop", "to restrain", or "to dam up". Over time, this word evolved into "stope", which specifically referred to a mining technique used to extract minerals from an underground mine. In mining, a "stope" is a space left behind after the ore has been extracted, often resembling a step-like arrangement. Therefore, "stopes" refers to multiple instances of this type of excavation within a mine.

Similar spelling words for STOPES

• stopgap,
• stoppage,
• stapes,
• steves,
• steeves,
• steffes,
• steps,
• stoops,
• stypsis,
• stops,
• stepson,
• stepwise,
• steveson,
• stupka,
• stop sign.