Hectare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hectare
[หhษktษหr ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
unit of area
A hectare is a metric unit of area equal to 10,000 square meters. It is commonly used to measure large areas of land, such as agricultural fields, parks, and forests.
Examples of usage
- The farm covers several hectares of land.
- The new housing development will be built on a 20-hectare plot.
- The national park spans over 500 hectares.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Global Usage
- Many countries, especially those outside the United States, use hectares to measure farmland and forestry.
- In Canada, hectare is frequently used in agricultural policies and land-use planning.
- The European Union uses hectares as a standard measurement for agricultural subsidies and environmental policies.
Agriculture
- A hectare can support a variety of crops depending on the climate, soil quality, and farming techniques.
- On average, a hectare of wheat can yield between 2 to 7 tons, depending on farming methods and conditions.
- Knowing the size of land in hectares helps farmers estimate production, resources, and profits.
Conversions and Comparisons
- One hectare is approximately equivalent to 2.47 acres, a term commonly used in the US.
- In comparison, a hectare is about the same area as a rectangular field measuring 100 meters by 100 meters.
- Urban planners often use hectares to discuss land development, city parks, and natural reserves.
Environmental Impact
- Understanding land measurements like hectares is crucial in discussions about deforestation and conservation efforts.
- Scientists assess land area in hectares to analyze the impact of agriculture on biodiversity.
- Climate change discussions often reference land use in hectares to address carbon capture through forestry and wetlands.
Origin of 'hectare'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'hectare' comes from the French word 'hectare', which combines 'hecto-' (meaning one hundred) and 'are' (a unit of area).
- It was first introduced in France in the 18th century as a unit of measure for land.
- The hectare is part of the metric system, which is used around the world for standard measurements.
The word 'hectare' originated from the Latin word 'hecto-' meaning hundred and the Greek word 'hektลr' which means 'he who holds' or 'he who possesses'. The concept of the hectare as a unit of land measurement was first proposed in France during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. It has since become a widely accepted and standardized unit of area measurement in the metric system.