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Plucking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plucking

[ˈplʌkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

removing hair

Plucking refers to the act of pulling out hair or feathers from the body, typically using fingers or a tool. This term is commonly associated with grooming practices, particularly in relation to eyebrows or body hair. It can also refer to the act of extracting fruits or flowers from plants. Plucking is often performed for aesthetic reasons, such as maintaining a specific look, and may also involve some pain or discomfort. The practice has cultural significance in various societies as it relates to beauty standards and personal care.

Synonyms

extraction, pulling, removal, twisting.

Examples of usage

  • She spent an hour plucking her eyebrows.
  • He was plucking the apples from the tree.
  • Plucking the feathers from the chicken is a messy task.
  • The artist was plucking flowers for her bouquet.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • In botanical terms, plucking fruits from plants is crucial for their propagation and growth.
  • Birds pluck feathers during molting, a natural process where they refresh their plumage for better insulation and flight.
  • Plucking leaves or flowers can promote new growth in many plant species, demonstrating a relationship between harvesting and health.

Art & Music

  • Plucking strings in music can create unique tones, evident in instruments like the guitar or harp.
  • In art, 'plucking' can symbolize the careful selection of ideas or colors, much like a gathering of creative inspiration.
  • Some forms of traditional dance involve 'plucking' movements that reflect cultural stories or connections between Earth and sky.

Psychology

  • The act of plucking in a habitual sense can become a form of nervous tic for some individuals, reflecting anxiety or stress.
  • Plucking an object might bring a sense of control or satisfaction, presenting an interesting connection to feelings of achievement.
  • In mindfulness practices, the deliberate act of plucking can be seen as a way to focus attention on the present moment.

Culture

  • Certain cultures have traditional rituals involving the plucking of specific herbs or plants for healing or spirituality.
  • In cooking, plucking fresh ingredients directly from the garden connects chefs to the origin of their meals, enhancing appreciation for food.
  • The plucking of musical instruments is central to various cultural performances worldwide, emphasizing the role of music in cultural identity.

Origin of 'plucking'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English word 'plocian', meaning to pull or gather.
  • First recorded use goes back to the 13th century in English texts, often related to gathering or harvesting.
  • The word has roots in various languages, reflecting similar meanings of taking or removing delicately.

The word 'pluck' comes from the Old English 'pluccian,' which means to pull or to take off. This term has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*plukōną,' which denotes the action of pulling or gathering. Over the centuries, 'pluck' evolved in the English language, associating itself not just with pulling but also with choices in selecting or gathering. By the late Middle Ages, 'pluck' was understood not only in the context of removing things such as feathers or hair but also carried connotations of courage and bravery, as someone with 'pluck' was seen as someone who could take bold actions. This dual nature of the word allowed it to persist in various contexts, from the physical act of plucking to metaphorical uses in literature and everyday speech.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,139, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.