workingsnoun [ plural ]
uk/ˈwɜː.kɪŋz/us/ˈwɝː.kɪŋz/workings noun [ plural ] (UNDER GROUND)
the system of holes that has been dug in the ground in order to remove metal, coal, etc.:
disused mine workings
More examples
- What I need is a book that will demystify the workings of a car engine for me.
- Psychologists focus on the workings of the nervous system, especially the brain.
- She has a keen interest in the workings of government.
- The novel portrayed the despair of an ordinary man entangled in the workings of a bureaucratic legal system.
- The process is crucial to the workings of the living cell.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Engineering - mining & quarrying
- borehole
- coal
- coal mine
- digger
- excavate
- excavator
- extract
- fracking
- gold mine
- gravel pit
- gusher
- hydraulic fracturing
- miner
- mineral
- mining
- oil rig
- opencast
- pit
- quarry
- slag heap
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workings noun [ plural ] (CALCULATIONS)
UK the calculations you do in order to reach an answer to a mathematical problem:
Lay out numerical solutions clearly, spacing out each stage and showing your workings.
workings noun [ plural ] (OPERATION)
the workings of sth
the way that an organization, machine, or organism operates:
the workings of government
I don't know anything about the workings of other departments or about the organization as a whole.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Machines - Engines & motors
- clockwork
- electromotive
- engine
- exhaust
- motor
- servomechanism
- servomotor
- sprocket
- starter motor
- traction engine
- treadle
- work
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Ways of achieving things