'coal-driven' originates from the combination of 'coal,' a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, and 'driven,' the past participle of 'drive,' meaning 'to operate or control.'

'Coal-driven' combines the word 'coal' from Old English 'col' and 'driven' from Old English 'drifan,' meaning 'to drive.'

Initially, it meant 'powered by coal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.