gunite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Construction
Quick answer
What does “gunite” mean?
A construction material consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed onto a surface under high pressure to form a dense, hard layer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A construction material consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed onto a surface under high pressure to form a dense, hard layer.
A process or the resulting product of pneumatically applying a cement-sand mixture, commonly used for creating swimming pools, lining tunnels, and structural repairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties, though 'shotcrete' is a more general technical term that encompasses both dry-mix (gunite) and wet-mix processes.
Connotations
Technical precision and durability in construction.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions, confined to engineering and construction contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gunite” in a Sentence
[surface] was gunited[contractor] gunited [structure][to apply] gunite to [surface]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers will gunite the tunnel arch next week.
- They gunited the damaged retaining wall.
American English
- The crew gunited the pool shell in one day.
- We need to gunite the foundation before the frost.
adverb
British English
- None. Not used as an adverb.
American English
- None. Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The gunite application was flawless.
- We specified a gunite finish.
American English
- It's a gunite pool, not fiberglass.
- The gunite surface needs curing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The contractor's quote included gunite work for the reservoir lining.
Academic
The study compared the compressive strength of gunite versus traditional cast-in-place concrete.
Everyday
Our new swimming pool is made of gunite, so it should last for decades.
Technical
Ensure the rebound from the gunite application is minimised to maintain material efficiency.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gunite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunite”
- Using 'gunite' as a verb incorrectly (it's primarily a noun). Confusing it with 'grout' or 'stucco'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Gunite is a type of concrete, specifically a dry-mix shotcrete that is pneumatically applied.
No, gunite application requires specialised equipment and trained operators due to the high-pressure spraying process.
Gunite specifically refers to the dry-mix process where dry materials are mixed with water at the nozzle. Shotcrete is the broader category including both dry-mix and wet-mix processes.
Properly applied and cured gunite is extremely durable and can last for 50 years or more, as seen in many swimming pools and infrastructure projects.
A construction material consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed onto a surface under high pressure to form a dense, hard layer.
Gunite is usually technical/construction in register.
Gunite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Gunite is 'shot' from a GUN-like nozzle to make things unite into a solid structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL IS A SKIN/SHELL (e.g., 'a gunite shell', 'lining').
Practice
Quiz
What is gunite primarily used for?