Plough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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plough
[plaʊ ]
Definitions
agricultural equipment
A plough is a large farming implement with one or more blades that is used to turn over soil in preparation for planting crops.
Synonyms
plow.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plough |
Used primarily in British English and in most Commonwealth countries to describe the action of turning over soil in preparation for planting crops.
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| plow |
Used primarily in American English with the same meaning as 'plough', to referred to tilling soil for farming.
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Examples of usage
- The farmer used a plough to till the field before sowing the seeds.
- The oxen pulled the heavy plough through the muddy earth.
agricultural activity
To plough means to turn over and break up the earth with a plough.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plough |
Use when referring specifically to the action of turning over the soil in preparation for planting seeds. It is typically used in agricultural contexts and can also figuratively mean to continue working on something with effort.
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| till |
Refers specifically to the act of preparing the soil by mechanical means for planting. It can also metaphorically mean to work hard on a task, although it is less commonly used in this sense.
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| cultivate |
Best suited for describing the general practice of preparing land for growing crops or fostering growth in a broader sense, such as skills or relationships.
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Examples of usage
- The farmer ploughed the field to prepare it for planting.
- They ploughed the land before the rainy season.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Agricultural Innovation
- The earliest ploughs were simple wooden tools, evolving to include metal parts for greater efficiency.
- The introduction of the cast-iron plough in the 18th century revolutionized farming, making it easier to till tougher soils.
- Modern farming often utilizes tractors with plough attachments, drastically reducing labor time compared to manual methods.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the plough symbolizes hard work and prosperity, representing the connection between land and sustenance.
- Folklore across various societies includes tales of farmers relying on the plough for successful harvests, showcasing its role in survival.
- The plough features in art and literature as a representation of agrarian lifestyles, often romanticizing the life of a farmer.
Science
- Ploughing helps aerate the soil, allowing air to circulate and encouraging beneficial microbes that promote plant growth.
- Turning the soil can control weeds and pests, leading to healthier crops by reducing competition for resources.
- Research indicates that different ploughing techniques can affect soil erosion rates, impacting both environmental health and crop yields.
Historical Context
- Ploughing was a key development in the Neolithic Revolution, allowing societies to transition from hunting-gathering to settled agricultural life.
- Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, relied on the plough to cultivate land near rivers, enhancing food production.
- The invention of the plough is considered one of the major advancements that enabled the rise of agrarian societies and, eventually, cities.
Origin of 'plough'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'plough' comes from the Old English 'plōh', which has roots in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European terms for digging or breaking ground.
- In many languages, the word for 'plough' has similar sounds, indicating its importance in agriculture across cultures.
- Latin derived the word 'plough' to 'ploughshare', referring specifically to the part that cuts the soil.
The word 'plough' has its origins in Old English 'plōh', which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic 'plōgaz'. The use of the plough in agriculture dates back to ancient times, with various designs and materials used across different cultures. The plough revolutionized farming methods by allowing for more efficient and larger-scale cultivation of land.