Plough Meaning and Definition
Plough
Pronunciation
/ˈplaʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A farm tool used for turning over soil in preparation for planting, typically consisting of a blade or share attached to a frame or beam.
Examples
- The farmer used a plough to till the soil before planting the seeds.
- The plough was an essential tool for ancient civilizations, allowing them to cultivate the land.
Synonyms
- Plow
- Tiller
Antonyms
- Harvester
- Reaper
Additional Information
The plough has been a crucial tool in agriculture for thousands of years, with early versions dating back to ancient Mesopotamia around 4000 BC. The plough allowed for more efficient farming, enabling the growth of settled communities and the development of civilizations. Over time, the design of the plough has evolved, with various materials and technologies being used to improve its effectiveness. Today, ploughs are still used in many parts of the world, although they are often mechanized and used in conjunction with other farm equipment.
In addition to its practical uses, the plough has also been a symbol of agriculture and rural life in many cultures. It has been featured in art and literature throughout history, often representing the connection between humans and the land. The plough has also been used as a metaphor for hard work and perseverance, reflecting the importance of these values in agricultural communities.
Despite the importance of the plough in agriculture, its use has also had negative environmental impacts. The intensive ploughing of soil can lead to erosion and soil degradation, reducing the fertility of the land and threatening the long-term sustainability of farming practices. As a result, many farmers are now adopting more sustainable practices, such as reduced tillage or no-till farming, to minimize the environmental impacts of ploughing.
Etymology
The word “plough” comes from the Old English word “plōh”, which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*plōhiz”. This word is also related to the Modern German word “Pflug”, which means “plough”. The word has been used in English since the 9th century to refer to the farm tool used for turning over soil.
Usage Notes
The word “plough” is often used interchangeably with the word “plow”, although “plough” is more commonly used in British English and “plow” is more commonly used in American English. In both cases, the word refers to the farm tool used for turning over soil.
Cultural References
The plough has been featured in many cultural references throughout history, including in art, literature, and music. For example, the plough is a symbol of agriculture and rural life in many folk songs and traditional dances. In literature, the plough has been used as a metaphor for hard work and perseverance, reflecting the importance of these values in agricultural communities.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “To plough through” something means to work hard and persistently to complete a task.
- “To plough a field” means to turn over the soil in preparation for planting.
Related Words or Phrases
- Farming
- Agriculture
- Cultivation
Collocations
- Plough the land
- Use a plough
- Plough through the soil
Frequency of Use
The word “plough” is not commonly used in modern language, except in specific contexts such as agriculture or historical references. However, the word remains an important part of many cultural and historical references.
Common Misspellings
- Plow
- Ploughing
- Plowed