prospector
UK: /prəˈspektə/ | US: /ˈprɑːspektər/
n. a person who explores an area for mineral deposits or oil
n. (historically) someone who searches for gold or other valuable resources
prospector = prospect<to explore> + or<agent noun suffix>
- prospect (from Latin prospectus, "view, outlook," from prospicere "to look forward")
- pro<forward> + specere<to look>
- or (agent noun suffix indicating a person who performs an action, e.g., "actor," "creator")
Etymology Origin:
The word "prospector" emerged in the early 19th century during gold rushes, combining "prospect" (to search for resources) with the suffix "-or" (denoting a person). The Latin root prospicere ("to look forward") reflects the act of scanning terrain for valuable minerals. Over time, it became specifically tied to mining and resource exploration.
The old prospector spent years searching for gold in the mountains.
Modern prospectors use advanced technology to locate mineral deposits.
Many prospectors moved west during the California Gold Rush.
The prospector discovered a rich vein of silver in the hillside.
Oil prospectors drilled several test wells in the desert.