Arrastra is a term that refers to a type of mining technology that was used to extract gold. It involves a dragging stone or metal plate along the bottom of a stream, crushing the soil and rock beneath and then washing the remains to separate out the gold. Despite its unique function, there are actually several synonyms for the word arrastra. Some of these synonyms include gold-drag, drag-stone, gold-washing-machine, jaguar-stone, and gold-grinder. Each of these terms describes the same type of device, with slight variations in terminology depending on regional differences or historical usage. Regardless of the name, the arrastra was an integral part of the gold rush era in the United States, and its legacy continues to be felt in the mining industry today.