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Machete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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machete

[mษ™หˆสƒษ›ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cutting tool

A machete is a broad, heavy knife used for cutting through dense vegetation or as a tool for agriculture. Often associated with tropical regions, it serves multiple purposes, including as a weapon, agricultural tool, and even for outdoor activities.

Synonyms

cleaver, hatchet, knife.

Examples of usage

  • He used a machete to clear the overgrown path.
  • Machetes are essential tools for farmers in many countries.
  • In survival situations, a machete can aid in shelter building.
  • She swung the machete to chop down the tall grass.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, a machete is essential for farming and agriculture.
  • The machete has often symbolized independence and rebellion, notably during the Haitian Revolution in the 1800s.

Usage in Nature

  • Farmers use machetes to clear fields and harvest crops such as sugarcane.
  • In jungles, people use them to create paths through thick vegetation and protect against wildlife.

Literature & Media

  • Machetes have been featured in various films as tools of survival or weapons in action scenes.
  • In literature, a machete often represents both danger and resourcefulness, appearing in adventure and survival stories.

Weaponry

  • Though primarily a tool, the machete has been used in conflicts and is sometimes portrayed as a weapon in warfare.
  • Various military forces have adopted machetes for practical use in dense terrains.

Origin of 'machete'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'machete' comes from Spanish, meaning 'to cut' or 'to chop'.
  • Related words in Spanish include 'machacar', meaning 'to crush', reflecting its cutting purpose.

The word 'machete' comes from the Spanish word 'machete', which is a diminutive form of 'macha', meaning 'to chop' or 'cut'. The term entered English in the mid-19th century as it was brought to various regions by Spanish-speaking populations. Machetes have a long history, having been developed in various cultures as agricultural tools for clearing fields and as weapons. They are particularly associated with rural and tropical areas where dense vegetation requires the use of such a tool for navigation or farming. Over the years, the machete has also found its way into popular culture, often symbolizing survival and adventure in films and literature.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,680, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.