Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Plucker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🪘
Add to dictionary

plucker

[ˈplʌkər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird-related

A person or thing that plucks, especially something that is used for plucking feathers or hairs.

Synonyms

extractor, picker, remover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
plucker

Redundant entry, see the first 'plucker' above.

  • The workers in the poultry farm are expert pluckers who make quick work of preparing the chickens
picker

Commonly used in situations involving choosing or selecting items, often in an agricultural or warehouse setting.

  • The apple pickers worked tirelessly during the harvest season
  • She is a fast picker when it comes to filling orders in the warehouse
extractor

Useful when talking about the removal of something from a larger whole, especially in technical or mechanical contexts.

  • The dentist used a special extractor to remove the patient's tooth
  • The juice extractor made fresh orange juice in seconds
remover

Typically applied in situations where something needs to be taken away or eliminated, often in cleaning or cosmetic settings.

  • She used a nail polish remover to clean her nails
  • The stain remover worked wonders on the wine spill

Examples of usage

  • The plucker gently removed the feathers from the bird.
  • She used a plucker to remove unwanted hairs.
Context #2 | Noun

music-related

A device used for plucking the strings of a musical instrument, such as a guitar or banjo.

Synonyms

pick, plectrum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pick

To choose or select from among several options or to harvest fruits, flowers, or vegetables.

  • She picked a dress for the party
  • They went to the garden to pick some fresh vegetables
plectrum

A small flat tool used to play stringed instruments such as guitars, commonly referred to as a guitar pick.

  • He uses a plectrum to play the guitar
  • The musician replaced his old plectrum with a new one

Examples of usage

  • He used a plucker to create a unique sound on his guitar.
  • The banjo player's fast plucking impressed the audience.
Context #3 | Noun

horticulture-related

A tool used for plucking fruits or vegetables from plants.

Synonyms

harvester, picker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
plucker

Generally has the same meaning as the first 'plucker' listed, referring to someone who picks or pulls something by hand. Repetition may have been an error, as the descriptions are identical.

  • The chicken plucker worked quickly to remove the feathers.
  • Berry pluckers have to be very careful not to damage the fruit.
harvester

Refers to a person or machine that gathers crops or other resources, usually on a large scale. It is a more formal and technical term.

  • The farmers used a combine harvester to collect the wheat.
  • During the fall, apple harvesters are busy gathering the fruit.
picker

Refers to a person who gathers or selects something, usually by hand, and is often used in agricultural contexts.

  • The grape pickers started their work early in the morning.
  • Strawberry pickers need to be quick and efficient to keep up with demand.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer used a plucker to harvest the ripe fruits.
  • She gently used the plucker to pick the delicate berries.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agricultural Practices

  • Pluckers play a vital role in sustainable farming by selectively gathering ripe fruits without harming the plant.
  • Techniques for plucking have evolved, with modern methods employing machines that mimic the gentle touch of a human hand.
  • In some cultures, plucking certain types of herbs is considered an art form, involving specific rituals that honor nature.

Cultural Significance

  • In many traditions, plucking flowers during festivals symbolizes gathering blessings or good fortune.
  • The act of plucking is often seen in folk songs and literature as a metaphor for making choices or taking action in life.
  • Bird feather plucking, while culturally significant in some areas, has raised ethical discussions regarding the treatment of animals.

Art and Literature

  • The concept of a 'pluck' appears in literature, symbolizing the courage to seize opportunities amidst uncertainty.
  • Various artworks depict scenes of pluckers in nature, highlighting the beauty and simplicity of their task.
  • In poetry, the action of plucking is often used as a symbol for the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of choice.

Psychology

  • The choice to pluck or pick something can trigger feelings of control and autonomy, reflecting personal agency.
  • In behavioral studies, the act of 'plucking' is sometimes used metaphorically to discuss decision-making and prioritizing tasks.
  • The emotion involved in plucking flowers or fruits can evoke nostalgia or pleasure, linking to memories of happiness in nature.

Origin of 'plucker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pluck' comes from the Old English 'pluccian,' meaning to pull or gather.
  • Historically, 'plucker' referred specifically to those who plucked feathers from birds for clothing or food preparation.
  • In early farming communities, pluckers were essential for harvesting produce, particularly in agriculture.

The word 'plucker' originated from the Middle English word 'plukken', which means 'to pluck'. It has been used for centuries to describe the action of pulling or picking something. Over time, 'plucker' has evolved to have various meanings across different contexts, from bird-related to music-related to horticulture-related. The versatility of this word reflects its adaptability in describing different actions and tools used for plucking.

See also: pluck, pluckers, plucky.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,771, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.