New vocab word

[cherydactyl]

A coal mine and its accompanying structures are collectively known as a colliery.

I heard this word in an NPR story about former coal miners in Nova Scotia who are now communting three time zones away to work in the Canadian oil industry. It was very cool, since I immediately knew what it meant from the usage and pronunciation. But I had to hunt for how to spell it.

Comments

[thecranewife.livejournal.com]

I just learned that word yesterday! I heard it in an audiobook I am listening to (which takes place in Nova Scotia!) I got it from context too ;)

weird.

[cherydactyl.livejournal.com]

synchronicity can be weird but cool. :)

[folkmew.livejournal.com]

And the only reason I knew that (or vaguely knew that or could have guessed anyway) is from folk songs! I know a Welch song that is "Collier workers".

And if you are interested in following the thread of this - a TERRIFIC mystery I read recently is called "Rose" by er.. the guy who wrote Gorky Park. Anyway I really liked it - it is set in Victorian England and "Pit Girls" (women who worked in the mines) play an important role - I had no idea women worked in mines then! Mills yes, but I didn't know mines!

[cherydactyl.livejournal.com]

thanks for the reccomendation! I will look it up, though it might not be till summer.