Crop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐พ
crop
[krษp ]
Definitions
agriculture
A cultivated plant that is grown as food, especially a grain, fruit, or vegetable.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crop |
Can also refer to the result of cutting or trimming something, commonly used for hair or images.
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| harvest |
Used for the process or period of gathering in crops, as well as the actual yield of the season's agricultural products. Generally positive and evokes a sense of completion.
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| produce |
Used for agricultural products, especially fresh fruits and vegetables in a grocery or market context.
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| yield |
Refers to the amount of produce or product generated, commonly used in both agricultural and financial contexts. Impersonal and quantitative.
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Examples of usage
- The farmer harvested the crop of wheat in the field.
- The main crops grown in this region are corn and soybeans.
agriculture
To cultivate a plant for food or other use.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crop |
Refers to cultivated plants that are grown for food, livestock feed, or other products. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts.
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| cultivate |
Describes the process of preparing and using land for growing plants. It often involves plowing, fertilizing, and other preparatory works.
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| harvest |
Refers to the process of collecting mature crops from the fields. It can happen at different times depending on the type of crop, and is often seasonal.
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| grow |
General term for the process of development from a seed or start to a mature plant. It applies to all types of plants, from flowers to large agricultural plots.
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Examples of usage
- They crop the fields with different types of vegetables.
- The farmers cropped the land for the upcoming season.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Agriculture
- Over 1 billion tons of rice are harvested annually, making it one of the most important crops worldwide.
- Crop rotation is a method used by farmers to keep soil healthy and balanced.
- Genetically modified crops have been developed to resist pests and increase yield, impacting food production significantly.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, crops like wheat and rice are celebrated in festivals, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
- In ancient Egypt, crops were linked to the Nile River's flooding, which provided fertile soil for growth.
- The concept of the harvest is often used metaphorically in literature and music to represent gathering the fruits of one's labor.
Environmental Impact
- Modern farming practices and monoculture can lead to loss of biodiversity and soil degradation.
- Sustainable farming focuses on growing crops in ways that protect ecosystems and natural resources.
- Climate change is affecting growing seasons and crop yields, prompting shifts in agricultural practices worldwide.
Economics
- The global crop industry is vital to economies, providing jobs and food security.
- Certain crops, like coffee and cocoa, have significant economic impacts in developing countries.
- Commodities like corn, soybeans, and wheat are traded on global markets, influencing global economics.
Origin of 'crop'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'croppa,' meaning 'to cut off or harvest.'
- It originally referred to 'the top of a plant or a type of food,' showing its agricultural roots.
- The term evolved in agricultural contexts to mean both the plants themselves and the act of harvesting.
The word 'crop' originated from the Old English word 'cropp', which meant a sprout or cutting. Over time, it evolved to refer to plants that are cultivated for food. The concept of crops has been essential to human civilization, as agriculture and farming have played a crucial role in providing sustenance and resources. Different regions around the world grow various crops depending on climate and soil conditions, contributing to the diversity of food sources available globally.