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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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In a list of American words compared with English equivalents, Mencken gives American (railroad) ballast as equavalent of British "metal". I suspect railroad "ballast"
was an extension of use of stones to add weight just above
keel of boat to improve lateral stability.
I cannot imagine how "metal" came to mean preparation for laying railway tracks in England.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
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how "metal" came to mean preparation for laying railway tracks in EnglandFrom AHD4: Metal 5. Broken stones used for road surfaces or railroad beds. See http://www.bartleby.com/61/48/M0244800.html
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Joined: Jan 2001
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Dear Faldage: What I was wondering was when metal came to be used for malleable,ductile substances suitable for tools, weapons,armor, etc.?
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Ah! Have to check the OED on that one Dr Bill.
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