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Culling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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culling

[ˈkʌlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wildlife management

The process of selectively removing animals from a population to control its size or improve its health and quality.

Synonyms

population control, selective removal, thinning out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
culling

Culling is commonly used in the context of reducing the population of animals, especially when dealing with disease control or maintaining ecological balance. It can have a slightly negative connotation as it involves the purposeful killing of animals.

  • The wildlife reserve implemented culling measures to prevent the spread of disease among deer.
  • Farmers resorted to culling chickens to control the outbreak of bird flu.
population control

Population control is a broader term that can be applied to humans, animals, or plants. It focuses on managing the size and growth of a population for various reasons, including environmental sustainability or resource management.

  • The city introduced measures for population control to manage overcrowding.
  • Population control is crucial for preserving endangered species.
selective removal

Selective removal is often used in a more neutral context, emphasizing the careful and deliberate removal of specific individuals or items, usually to improve the health or quality of the remaining population.

  • Selective removal of infected trees helped to save the forest from a widespread disease.
  • The team is working on the selective removal of invasive species to protect the native plants.
thinning out

Thinning out generally refers to reducing the number in a group or population to promote healthier growth or improve conditions. It's often used in gardening, forestry, and animal management contexts.

  • Gardeners recommend thinning out seedlings to ensure each plant has enough space to grow.
  • The forest rangers are thinning out young trees to prevent overcrowding and allow stronger trees to thrive.

Examples of usage

  • Deer culling is necessary in some areas to prevent overpopulation.
  • The culling of seals in certain regions has been a controversial practice.
  • The culling of invasive species is essential for preserving the ecosystem.
  • The culling of elephants in Africa is a highly debated topic.
  • Government agencies often implement culling programs to manage wildlife populations.
Context #2 | Noun

information technology

The process of systematically reducing the amount of data by removing irrelevant or duplicate information.

Synonyms

data purging, data reduction, information trimming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
culling

Similar to 'culling', though sometimes more general, implying any sort of selection process.

  • The librarian is busy culling old books that are no longer relevant.
  • Culling of outdated products from the inventory happens twice a year.
data reduction

Used mainly in data analysis and technology fields, focusing on reducing the amount of data while retaining its integrity and value.

  • Data reduction techniques are essential for efficient big data management.
  • The software uses data reduction algorithms to compress files without losing critical information.
data purging

Refers specifically to the act of permanently removing redundant or outdated data from a database or system.

  • The IT team scheduled a data purging session to free up server space.
  • Regular data purging helps to keep the system optimized and efficient.
information trimming

Usually refers to simplifying or reducing the informational content, making it easier to understand or manage.

  • The article was too long, so the editor performed information trimming to make it more readable.
  • During the presentation, the speaker engaged in information trimming to stay within the allotted time.

Examples of usage

  • Culling the database helped improve efficiency in data retrieval.
  • The culling of unnecessary files saved storage space.
  • Data culling is an important step in data management.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Culling is often part of wildlife management, where populations of species are controlled to maintain ecosystem balance.
  • It helps prevent overpopulation, which can lead to resource depletion and habitat destruction.
  • In some conservation efforts, specific animals may be culled to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

Ethics

  • Culling can raise ethical concerns, as it involves making decisions about life and death for animals.
  • Debates often arise regarding humane methods, the role of humans in nature, and animal rights.
  • Different cultures have varying views on culling practices, particularly in agriculture and wildlife management.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and film, culling is often depicted in dystopian themes where society decides who stays and who goes.
  • Popular TV shows sometimes feature 'culling' as a plot device to create tension or conflict among characters.
  • Reality TV sometimes employs 'culling' in competitions where contestants are eliminated based on performance.

Agriculture

  • Farmers cull livestock to improve the health and productivity of their herds.
  • Culling helps ensure the remaining animals are genetically strong and well-suited for the farming environment.
  • Many horticulturists cull plants to enhance the growth of remaining ones, focusing on the strongest specimens for better yield.

Origin of 'culling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cull' comes from the Latin 'culle,' which means to select or choose.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, initially relating to selecting amongst animals or plants.
  • Over time, 'culling' evolved to refer to the removal of anything considered unnecessary or unwanted.

The word 'culling' has its origins in the Old French word 'cole', meaning 'neck'. In medieval times, 'cull' was used to refer to the process of selecting or picking, particularly in agriculture. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of selectively removing or choosing certain individuals from a group or population. The concept of culling has been applied to various fields, including wildlife management, agriculture, and information technology, where the focus is on selectively removing or reducing to improve quality or efficiency.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,421, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.