The word "ploughable" is spelled with eight letters, starting with a silent "p" followed by the phoneme "lau" pronounced as /laʊ/. The suffix "-able" is added to make the adjective form from the verb "plough" which means to turn over soil using a plough. The correct spelling of the word is often confused due to American English spelling differences, with "plowable" being a common alternative spelling. However, the original British English spelling is still widely used.
"Ploughable" is an adjective that refers to the ability of land or soil to be ploughed or cultivated by a plough, a farming tool used for breaking up and turning over soil in preparation for planting seeds or crops. This term describes soil that is suitable for ploughing due to its physical composition and characteristics.
Soil that is ploughable is typically loose, easily workable, and possesses adequate moisture content. It allows the plough to cut through the soil with minimal resistance and effectively turn it over, creating furrows or ridges ready for sowing seeds or planting crops. Ploughable land is often rich in organic matter, nutrients, and minerals, which can support plant growth and enable successful cultivation.
The ploughable nature of land plays a crucial role in agriculture and farming practices, as it influences the productivity and overall success of crops. Farmers and agriculturalists assess the ploughability of soil before initiating farming activities to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. Factors such as the soil's texture, structure, moisture, and fertility contribute to determining whether the land is ploughable or not.
In summary, "ploughable" describes soil that is suitable for ploughing, possessing the necessary characteristics that allow it to be worked with the plough and effectively support farming activities.
That may be ploughed; arable.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ploughable" is derived from the verb "plough", which means to turn over soil using a plough (or "plow" in American English). The term can be broken down into two parts:
1. "Plough": The word "plough" originated from the Old English word "plōh" or "plōg", which traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*pleugan" or "*plӯgōną". It is believed to have further roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*pleu-", meaning "to flow" or "to swim". This likely reflects the motion of the plough as it cuts through the soil.
2. "-able": The suffix "-able" is added to a verb base to indicate that something can be done or is capable of being done.