The word "mattock" is often misspelled due to its uncommon spelling. It is pronounced as /ˈmætək/ with the stress on the first syllable. Its spelling can be explained with the use of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable sounds like "mat" and the second syllable sounds like "ock". The double "t" in the word is followed by double "o", which gives it its unique spelling. The word "mattock" refers to a digging tool with a dual-pointed head.
A mattock is a versatile hand tool primarily used for digging, chopping, and trenching purposes. It consists of a long handle, typically made of wood, with a wide and curved metal head at one end. The metal head is usually comprised of two distinct parts, the adze and the pick.
The adze is a broad, flat blade that is sharp on one side and dull on the other. It is ideal for cutting through hard-packed soil, breaks up clumps, and helps in the removal of roots and rocks during excavation. On the opposite end of the head is the pick, which is slender, pointed, and sharpened. The pick is useful for breaking up hard materials like clay or concrete, piercing through compacted ground, and creating trenches or furrows.
The mattock is designed to provide optimal leverage when working in tough conditions, making it highly efficient for a variety of tasks such as gardening, construction, and landscaping. Due to its rugged nature and sturdy construction, it is commonly used by farmers, laborers, and individuals involved in heavy-duty outdoor work.
Moreover, the mattock proves useful for shaping or creating areas for planting, removing tree stumps, digging trenches for drainage purposes, or even cultivating soil in small-scale farming. Its versatility, durability, and effectiveness in various ground conditions make the mattock a reliable tool in many industries, contributing significantly to tasks that require extensive digging and cutting efforts.
A kind of pick-axe having one end flat; a tool to grub weeds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mattock" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "mattoc", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "mattuza", meaning "mower" or "scythe". This in turn comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*met-" which means "to mow" or "to cut". Over time, the word "mattock" specifically came to refer to a digging and chopping tool characterized by a pick on one end and an adze or blade on the other.