quarry - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

Both meanings of quarry have to do with going after something. An animal being hunted is called quarry, and when you dig a hole in the earth looking for rocks, both the digging and the hole are called quarry as well.

Gross fact: Quarry derives from the Latin cor "heart," because hunters used to drape the entrails of their chosen quarry on their dogs' backs. The origin in a word for "heart" can help you remember both quarries: a rock quarry is searching down toward the heart of the earth; a stag's heart is considered a hunter's greatest prize.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: quarry

1	n	animal hunted or caught for food
2	n v	a surface excavation for extracting stone or slate extract (something such as stones) from or as if from a quarry

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: quarry

1

n animal hunted or caught for food

Synonyms:: prey

Type of:: animal, animate being, beast, brute, creature, fauna
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

n a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

Synonyms:: fair game, prey, target

Type of:: victim
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

2

n a surface excavation for extracting stone or slate

Synonyms:: pit, stone pit

Types:: chalk pit, chalkpit
a quarry for chalk; gravel pit
a quarry for gravel

Type of:: excavation
a hole in the ground made by excavating

v extract (something such as stones) from or as if from a quarry

“quarry marble”

Type of:: exploit, tap
draw from; make good use of