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Definition of tailings

tailings

/ˈteɪ.lɪŋz/
tail · ings
Plural:tailings
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tailings Lexical Profile

tailings Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The finely ground rock particles, waste materials, or mineral residue left over after the economically valuable ore or mineral fraction has been extracted during mining and milling operations.

Example

"Environmental engineers reinforced the dam to prevent toxic mine tailings from seeping into the nearby watershed."

2

The inferior residue, chaff, or refuse remaining after grain has been threshed, milled, or winnowed, or after another commodity has been distilled or processed.

Example

"The farmer collected the grain tailings after the harvest and used them as supplemental feed for the poultry."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tailings

• Nearby Words

tailgate
tailgater
tailgating
tailings
taillamp
tailless
taillight

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century, derived from the noun or verb 'tail' (in the sense of the inferior end or remnant left behind after sorting or processing) combined with the suffix '-ings'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tailings. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tailings
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