pile

Everyday

1. A pile is a lot of things put one on top of another. tree →
2. To pile (up) is to put things in a pile, or to grow into a pile. tree →
3. «Piles of» or «a pile of» can mean a lot of: piles of homework. tree →
4. A pile is also a big post pushed into the ground to hold up a building or bridge. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a group of things; equal piles mean equal groups; sorting into piles; per pile = total ÷ piles. In everyday life: a pile of laundry, a pile of leaves to jump in. In science and building: piles hold up bridges and houses on soft ground. In stories: «a pile of gold».

Examples

• There are 4 piles of 10 books. tree →
• She made 3 piles of leaves. tree →
• He put the cards into 5 equal piles. tree →
• How many are in each pile? tree →
• The kids jumped into the pile of leaves. tree →
• My clothes are in a pile on the floor. tree →
• The snow piled up against the door. tree →
• I have a pile of homework tonight. tree →
• Sort the coins into piles of ten. tree →
• On a pile of cushions, covered with tapestry, sat the boy. tree →

Note

Equal piles: total = piles × per pile; per pile = total ÷ piles. Trap: if the piles are not equal, add each pile. «Pile up» can mean things are collecting: «the dishes piled up». Safety: piles of heavy boxes can fall over; do not climb them.

In Jewish tradition

In the Song of the Sea the waters stand up in a heap like a wall as God lets Israel through. Ezekiel also uses it for a pile of wood for a fire, and Isaiah for the fire-pile of Topheth.

Interpretation. The tradition treats this as one of God's greatest miracles at the sea. Ezekiel's boiling pot and Isaiah's fire-pile are read as warnings of judgment on Jerusalem and Assyria.

Examples

• And with the blast of Thy nostrils the waters were piled up — the floods stood upright as a heap; the deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea. (Torah EXO.15.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• I also will make the pile great, (Prophets EZK.24.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Take the choice of the flock, and pile also the bones under it; make it boil well, that the bones thereof may also be seethed in the midst of it. (Prophets EZK.24.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• For a hearth is ordered of old; yea, for the king it is prepared, deep and large; the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. (Prophets ISA.30.33, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Equal piles: total = piles × per pile; per pile = total ÷ piles. Trap: if the piles are not equal, add each pile. «Pile up» can mean things are collecting: «the dishes piled up». Safety: piles of heavy boxes can fall over; do not climb them.