arrastra

noun

ar·​ras·​tra
əˈrästrə
variants or arrastre
-ˌstrā
or arastra
əˈrästrə
plural -s
: a rude drag-stone mill for pulverizing ores (such as those containing free gold)

Word History

Etymology

modification of Mexican Spanish arrastre, from Spanish, haulage, dragging, from arrastrar to drag, from a- (from Latin ad-) + rastrar to drag, from rastro rake, harrow, from Latin rastrum rake

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near arrastra

Cite this Entry

“Arrastra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrastra. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!