costean

intransitive verb

cos·​tean

variants or costeen

käˈstēn,

ˈ⸗ˌ⸗

-ed/-ing/-s

British

: to dig trenches or small pits through the surface soil or debris to the underlying rock in place for the purpose of exposing the outcrop of a mineral deposit and determining its course

Word History

Etymology

from (assumed) Cornish costēn, probably from codha to fall, happen + stēn tin; akin to Old Norse hitta to hit, find

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now