lode
lode Lexical Profile
lode Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An abundant or rich source of something valuable.
"The newly discovered historical archives proved to be a rich lode of information for researchers."
A vein or deposit of valuable metallic ore that fills a fissure in a rock formation.
"During the silver rush, prospectors excavated deep into the mountain hoping to strike a profitable lode."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with its homophone "load." While "load" refers to a heavy weight or amount carried, "lode" specifically refers to a vein of ore or a rich source, most notably seen in the phrase "mother lode" (often incorrectly written as "mother load").
• Rhymes for lode
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'lode' (meaning 'way' or 'course'), derived from Old English 'lād' (way, journey). By the 16th century, the term was adopted by miners to describe a metallic vein or 'lead' that could be followed through the rock.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.