murskaus

Murskaus is a Finnish noun meaning the act or process of crushing, or the result of being crushed. It is used to describe mechanical size reduction as well as injuries resulting from compression. The word derives from the Finnish verb murska- meaning to crush. In general use, murskaus refers to breaking down solids into smaller pieces or powders by applying force, and can describe both natural fragmentation and industrial processing.

In industry, murskaus is a standard term in mining, construction, and materials processing. In mining and mineral processing, murskaus denotes the initial size reduction of ore, usually by crushers such as jaw, cone, or impact crushers. The purpose is to liberate valuable minerals and to prepare the material for grinding and separation. In construction and road building, murskaus is used to produce aggregate from rock. In food processing, murskaus describes crushing or mashing ingredients, for example potatoes, nuts, or seeds, using mortars, grinders, or mechanical crushers.

In medicine, the term is used in connection with crush injuries, where a body part is subjected to strong external pressure, causing tissue damage. Such injuries may occur in vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, or collapses. Complications can include vascular and nerve injury, rhabdomyolysis, electrolyte disturbances, and kidney failure. Management focuses on rapid stabilization, pain control, imaging and evaluation, wound care, and surgical relief of pressure if indicated, with attention to preventing crush syndrome.

See also: crushing, grinding, mineral processing, ore, crush injury.