Spadeful: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'spade' originates from the Old English 'spadu', which means a digging tool.
• The suffix 'ful' means 'full of', so combining them gives a sense of volume associated with the tool.
• This term became widely used in English gardening and farming contexts during the 19th century.

Cultural References

• In gardening, a spadeful of compost is often crucial for enriching soil quality.
• In some cultures, digging with a spade is seen as a metaphor for hard work and persistence.
• There are even festivals celebrating traditional farming tools, emphasizing the spade's cultural significance.

Literature

• In poetry, referencing a spadeful can evoke imagery of labor and care for the earth.
• Famous authors, like John Steinbeck, often highlighted the use of spades in stories about farming and connection to nature.
• The spadeful also emerges in literary discussions of manual labor versus industrial work.

Science

• A spadeful of soil can contain millions of organisms, demonstrating the importance of biodiversity.
• Scientists studying soil layers often refer to 'spadefuls' when sampling to analyze ecological health.
• Understanding how much a spadeful weighs can help gardeners measure the right amount of nutrients they add to their gardens.

Psychology

• The act of digging with a spade can evoke feelings of contentment and connection to the earth, promoting mental well-being.
• Research suggests gardening activities, which include using a spade, can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Engaging with soil through spadefuls can foster a sense of mindfulness and presence.

Ranking #39,663, 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.

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• 39660 bonbon
• 39661 boringly
• 39662 voussoir
• 39663 spadeful
• 39664 punctiliousness
• 39665 semivowel
• 39666 flavorless
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