1. Plural of mineshaft; vertical or sloping passages in a mine that provide access to underground mineral deposits.
Usage: Typically used in mining and geology contexts.; Often refers to the main access routes in coal, metal, or other underground mines.

Examples

• The old mineshafts in the region are now closed to the public for safety reasons.
• Workers descended into the mineshafts each morning to extract coal.
• The historical mineshafts have been preserved as a museum attraction.
• Deep mineshafts require sophisticated ventilation systems to ensure worker safety.
• Explorers discovered ancient mineshafts that dated back centuries.
• The company invested in upgrading the mineshafts with modern equipment.