goldmine
UK[ˈɡəʊldmaɪn]US[ˈɡoʊldmaɪn]
n
A place where gold is dug out of the ground
n
A source of something very valuable, especially money or information
Morpheme Breakdown
gold
mine
gold
precious metal
mine
excavation site
Etymology
The word 'goldmine' is a transparent compound formed from two ancient roots. 'Gold' originates from the Proto-Germanic 'gulþą', a term for the precious yellow metal, which itself has cognates across Indo-European languages. 'Mine' entered English via Old French from a presumed Celtic source, originally referring to an ore deposit or a tunnel for extracting minerals. The compound's literal meaning, a site for extracting gold ore, emerged in Middle English. Its modern figurative sense, denoting any exceptionally rich source of wealth or information, developed by semantic extension, leveraging the powerful cultural and economic symbolism of gold.
Analysis
Structure: gold (precious metal) + mine (excavation site)
- gold: From Old English 'gold', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'goud' and German 'Gold'. Functions as a noun root specifying the type of valuable resource.
- mine: From Old French 'mine', of Celtic origin; related to Welsh 'mwyn' meaning 'ore', 'mineral'. Functions as a noun root indicating a source or excavation site.
Examples
The old town was built after the discovery of a rich goldmine in the nearby hills.
Her detailed research notes proved to be a goldmine for the author writing the biography.
The archive of vintage photographs is a veritable goldmine for historians.