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Ordure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฉ
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ordure

[หˆษ”rdส’ษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

waste material

Ordure refers to excrement or dung, typically produced by animals. It is often used in discussions about organic waste and has implications in agriculture where it can serve as a fertilizer. The term carries a somewhat old-fashioned or formal connotation and is less commonly used in everyday language. In a broader sense, ordure can symbolize filth or anything regarded as undesirable. Its usage tends to evoke a sense of disgust or revulsion.

Synonyms

dung, excrement, feces, filth, manure.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer enriched his fields with ordure.
  • The streets were lined with ordure after the festival.
  • In medieval times, ordure was often a part of urban life.
  • The ecological impact of using ordure as fertilizer is significant.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Animal waste is often used as fertilizer, enriching the soil and supporting plant growth, a concept utilized by farmers for centuries.
  • Certain cultures traditionally collect animal droppings to produce biogas, a renewable energy source that can power homes.
  • In permaculture, understanding animal waste is crucial for creating sustainable systems where everything has a purpose.

Literature

  • The term appears in classical literature, often highlighting the theme of decay or the grotesque in poetic works.
  • Famous writers, such as Shakespeare, employed 'ordure' in their plays to symbolize decay and human folly.
  • Today, some contemporary authors use the word to evoke strong emotions about societal conditions or environmental degradation.

Cultural Perception

  • In many cultures, waste is considered taboo, often leading to its association with purity and cleanliness in spirituality.
  • The handling of ordure reflects societal values, with some cultures celebrating its use in agriculture while others shun it entirely.
  • Modern art has explored themes surrounding ordure, challenging viewersโ€™ perceptions of cleanliness and culture.

Environmental Science

  • Research shows that properly managed waste can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to untreated waste.
  • Animal waste can introduce nutrients into ecosystems, but it can also lead to pollution if not handled correctly.
  • Studies highlight the impact of livestock waste on water bodies, emphasizing the need for sustainable farming practices.

Origin of 'ordure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ordure' comes from the Latin word 'ordor', which means to smell, indicating its association with waste.
  • Originally, 'ordure' referred to any type of filth, but over time it has come to specifically denote animal waste.
  • In Middle English, 'ordure' was spelled as 'ordure' as well, showing its consistent association with refuse across time.

The word 'ordure' comes from the Latin word 'ordor', which means 'to smell'. It was later adapted into Old French as 'ordure', retaining the meaning associated with waste material or filth. The term has been used in English since at least the 14th century, primarily to refer to animal waste. Over time, 'ordure' has maintained a somewhat technical or literary status, often appearing in agricultural contexts or discussions of hygiene. Despite its historical roots, it remains less popular in contemporary vernacular compared to simpler terms like 'manure' or 'dung'. The evolution of the word reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward waste and sanitation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,446, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.