Crusher

'krʌʃər

nounIntermediateCommonTechnology

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A machine used to reduce the size of solid materials through compression.

'krʌʃər

nounneutralIntermediate
Technology

A machine for crushing materials.

The quarry used a large crusher to break down the rocks into gravel.

💡 Simply: Imagine a giant machine that smashes rocks or other materials into tiny bits. That's a crusher! It's like a super-powered blender for really tough stuff.

👶 For kids: A machine that smashes big things into small pieces.

More Examples

2

The new crusher significantly improved the efficiency of the recycling process.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The mining company used a powerful crusher to extract the ore from the rock."

Manufacturing

"The recycling plant utilizes several crushers to process plastic and glass."

2

A person or thing that has a devastating or overwhelming effect.

'krʌʃər

nounnegativeIntermediate
General

A person or thing that overwhelms or defeats.

The unexpected news was a real crusher.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, something can be so disappointing or overwhelming that it feels like it 'crushes' you. Like if you fail a big test, that could be a 'crusher'.

👶 For kids: Something that makes you feel really, really sad or disappointed.

More Examples

2

The team suffered a crusher of a defeat in the final game.

How It's Used

Figurative

"The new law was a crusher for small businesses."

Informal

"His performance was a crusher; he totally dominated the competition."

Tip:Think of something that crushes your spirit or hopes.

From the verb 'crush', Middle English 'crushen', from Old French 'cruissir' meaning 'to break, crush', from Vulgar Latin *'*crusiare', from Latin 'crustāre' ('to form a crust').

Historically, the term 'crusher' has been primarily associated with machinery, especially in industries involving mining and manufacturing.

Memory tip

Think of a machine that crushes things into smaller pieces.

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Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written