mohole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “mohole” mean?
A deep hole drilled through the Earth's crust, typically into or through the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deep hole drilled through the Earth's crust, typically into or through the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho).
A specific scientific project or the resulting borehole from attempts to drill through the Earth's crust to reach the upper mantle; sometimes used metaphorically for an extremely deep or ambitious excavation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term with connotations of ambitious mid-20th century scientific projects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language; appears almost exclusively in historical geology or geophysics texts.
Grammar
How to Use “mohole” in a Sentence
the [Project] Moholeto drill (a/the) moholea mohole into the mantleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, geophysics, and history of science to refer to the specific 1960s project or the concept.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term for a borehole drilled to or through the Moho.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohole”
- Using 'mohole' to refer to any deep hole (e.g., a mining shaft). Confusing it with 'manhole'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare technical term from geology and the history of science.
It was a 1960s American project to drill a deep hole through the ocean floor to reach the Earth's mantle. It was never fully completed.
No, it is only used as a noun.
The Moho, or Mohorovičić discontinuity, is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle.
A deep hole drilled through the Earth's crust, typically into or through the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho).
Mohole is usually scientific/technical in register.
Mohole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊ.həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊ.hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOre HOLE: You need a MOre HOLE to reach the MOho.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW into the Earth's interior; a technological PROBE into the unknown.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'mohole' specifically refer to?