block mast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Technical/Specialized)Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “block mast” mean?
In broadcasting, a large, permanent structure that supports multiple radio or television transmitting antennas, often built as a solid, tower-like construction rather than an open lattice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In broadcasting, a large, permanent structure that supports multiple radio or television transmitting antennas, often built as a solid, tower-like construction rather than an open lattice.
The term can also refer to a large, heavy-duty pole or upright support used in various engineering or construction contexts, such as supporting cranes or heavy machinery, where robustness and solidity are key.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though 'block mast' is primarily a term of art within engineering and broadcasting. There is no significant regional variation in the term itself.
Connotations
Connotes strength, permanence, and a substantial, often unattractive, industrial structure. It is a neutral technical term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; used almost exclusively by engineers, broadcast technicians, and urban planners.
Grammar
How to Use “block mast” in a Sentence
The [broadcaster] erected a block mastAntennas are mounted on the block mastThe [material] block mast dominates the skylineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “block mast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council objected to plans to block-mast the hillside with a new transmitter.
- They decided to block-mast the antenna array for greater stability.
American English
- The company proposed to block-mast the antenna for the new station.
- The design calls for block-masting the support structure.
adverb
British English
- The antenna was mounted block-mast style for durability.
American English
- The tower was constructed block-mast strong to withstand hurricanes.
adjective
British English
- The block-mast structure was considered an eyesore by locals.
- We need a block-mast solution for this heavy load.
American English
- The block-mast design is more resilient to high winds.
- They installed a block-mast transmitter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of telecommunications infrastructure investment or property development near such structures.
Academic
Used in engineering, architecture, and media technology papers discussing broadcasting infrastructure.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A non-specialist would likely say 'TV mast' or 'big transmitter tower'.
Technical
Standard, precise term in civil engineering, broadcasting, and antenna design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “block mast”
- Using 'block mast' to refer to a ship's mast (incorrect). Confusing it with 'block and tackle' (a pulley system). Spelling as one word: 'blockmast'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'cell phone tower' is a general term. A 'block mast' specifically refers to a type of solid, often concrete, construction. Many modern cell towers are lattice structures, not block masts.
Yes, though it's highly technical and rare. To 'block-mast' something means to support it with or construct it as a block mast (e.g., 'The antenna will be block-masted').
Its primary advantage is structural strength and durability with minimal maintenance, as the solid construction is less susceptible to corrosion and vibration than open latticework.
It is a specialised term within specific technical professions (civil engineering, broadcasting). The average person encounters the structure but has no need for the precise technical classification.
In broadcasting, a large, permanent structure that supports multiple radio or television transmitting antennas, often built as a solid, tower-like construction rather than an open lattice.
Block mast is usually technical/professional in register.
Block mast: in British English it is pronounced /blɒk mɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /blɑːk mæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a giant toy building block stood on end, used as a mast. It's blocky, solid, and massive.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOWER IS A GIANT/PHALLUS; STRENGTH IS SOLIDITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'block mast' most precisely used?