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Furrows Meaning: Definition and Examples

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furrows

[ˈfɜːrəʊz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

agriculture, landscape

Furrows are narrow trenches or grooves made in the ground, usually for planting seeds or for irrigation purposes. In agriculture, they are created to optimize water drainage and soil aeration for crops. Furrows can also refer to long, deep lines in surfaces such as soil, skin, or fabric.

Synonyms

channels, grooves, ridges, trenches.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer plowed the field, leaving many furrows behind.
  • She noticed the furrows on his brow as he concentrated.
  • The landscape was marked by furrows of freshly tilled earth.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Furrows can help with water drainage, ensuring that crops have the right amount of moisture.
  • Ancient farmers used furrows to organize their fields, making it easier to plant and harvest crops.
  • In modern farming, machines create furrows quickly and efficiently, reducing the labor involved.

Language and Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'furh', which means a groove or trench.
  • In literature, 'furrowed' often describes expressions, indicating deep thought or worry, like lines on a forehead.

Symbolism

  • Furrows are often seen as symbols of hard work and cultivation, representing the effort put into growing something valuable.
  • In poetry, furrows can symbolize the passage of time and the marks we leave throughout our lives.

Geography

  • In some landscapes, furrows are naturally occurring, formed by water erosion over time, creating unique patterns in the earth.
  • Furrows can enhance soil structure by promoting aeration, which is important for healthy plant growth.

Art

  • Artists sometimes use furrowed lines to convey emotion in their work, showing depth and complexity in characters or landscapes.
  • Furrows in fields have been depicted in many famous paintings, illustrating the beauty of agricultural life.

Origin of 'furrows'

The word 'furrow' originates from Old English 'furh' which means 'a trench, a ditch', and is related to the Proto-Germanic term '*furkhō', which implies a similar meaning of a groove or channel. This word is connected to the wider Indo-European root '*bhergh-', meaning 'to cut, to break', which relates to the act of creating a furrow in soil. Historically, furrows have been an essential aspect of agriculture, as they facilitate planting and managing crops. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to include metaphorical uses, denoting deep lines or impressions, often in reference to human expression, such as furrows of worry on a face.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,597, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.