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Glite Dictionary
upcast

upcast

9.9
A shaft in a mine that sends air out
  • noun
  • /ˈʌpˌkæst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conducto de aire
  • The upcast was essential for maintaining airflow in the mine.

Examples

  • Fresh air entered through the downcast and exited via the upcast after circulating in the mine.

  • The miners inspected the upcast regularly to ensure proper ventilation throughout the tunnels.

  • A blockage in the upcast could pose serious safety risks for workers underground.

  • They installed an upcast to improve ventilation.

  • The miners installed an upcast to improve airflow in the tunnels below.

  • During the safety inspection, they checked the upcast for any blockages.

  • The upcast is essential for removing stale air from the mine's deeper sections.

Synonyms

mineshaft
vsupcast
6 7.2

A deep narrow passage underground used to reach the mine and let in air

is mainly for access and transport not primarily to expel air
ventilation shaft
vsupcast
  • Specialized
5 4.5

A passage in a building that lets fresh air in and stale air out

is used in mines to expel air from underground
airshaft
vsupcast
  • Specialized
1 4.8

A vertical passage that lets air move between floors in a building or mine

is in mines and directs air out upward
airway
vsupcast
  • Specialized
1 4.5

A passage that brings fresh air into mines and tunnels

is specific to mines and expels air out

Surface Forms

upcast singular
upcasts plural

Morphology

upcast = cast (semi-transparent) = up + cast

The prefix 'up' signals direction, but 'cast' does not normally mean 'ventilation shaft' for general learners; the sense is technical and specialized.

Etymology

Upcast is made of up- ('up') and cast ('to throw' or 'send out'), the same cast you see in broadcast. In mining an upcast is the shaft where air is sent up and out, so the name tells you its job of moving air upwards.