How Do You Spell PLOUGHSHARES?

Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊʃe͡əz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ploughshares" is not intuitive, but it can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced /plʌʊʃɛrz/, with the "-ough-" spelling representing the sound /ʌʊ/ (as in "out"). The "sh" sound in "plough" is represented by the IPA symbol /ʃ/. Finally, the "-s" at the end of the word is pronounced as /z/. So, while the spelling may look confusing, knowing the IPA phonetic transcription can help you accurately pronounce "ploughshares".

PLOUGHSHARES Meaning and Definition

1. Ploughshares refers to the metal blades or cutting edges that are mounted on the bottom of a plough. The ploughshares are typically made of steel or iron and are designed to cut through the soil, making furrows or trenches for planting seeds or cultivating crops. These blades are an essential part of the plough, an agricultural tool used for breaking up and turning over the soil in preparation for planting.

   Ploughshares have a specific shape, usually resembling a pointed or curved blade, which enables them to slice through the ground with minimal resistance. The cutting action of the ploughshares helps to loosen and overturn the soil, breaking up clumps and improving its structure for better seed growth and root penetration. The efficiency and effectiveness of a plough largely depend on the quality and sharpness of its ploughshares.

   Aside from their agricultural significance, the term "ploughshares" also holds symbolic and metaphorical meaning. It is derived from the biblical phrase "to beat swords into ploughshares," found in the Book of Isaiah, which advocates for peace and the transformation of weapons into tools of productivity and harmony. This phrase has been metaphorically used to express the idea of diverting resources and efforts away from conflict or warfare towards peaceful and productive activities. In this sense, "ploughshares" represents a symbol of peace and the repurposing of destructive tools for constructive purposes.

Etymology of PLOUGHSHARES

The word "ploughshare" originated from the Old English word "plōhscǣar", which can be broken down into two parts: "plōh" meaning "plough" and "scǣar" meaning "share" or "plough-blade". The term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "plōhskauro" which also means "ploughshare". "Plough" refers to the implement used in agriculture for tilling soil, while "share" specifically refers to the blade or cutting part of the plough that makes the furrow in the earth.

Idioms with the word PLOUGHSHARES

• beat/turn swords into ploughshares The idiom "beat/turn swords into ploughshares" refers to transforming or repurposing weaponry or military resources for peaceful, constructive purposes. It conveys the idea of shifting focus from conflict and warfare to activities that promote peace and prosperity. It is often used metaphorically to advocate for the conversion of resources devoted to war or aggression into resources used for improving society, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, or other peaceful endeavors.
• beat swords into ploughshares The idiom "beat swords into ploughshares" is derived from a biblical passage in the book of Isaiah. It means to shift from a state of conflict or war to a state of peace and cooperation. It implies the act of transforming weapons of war (swords) into tools of productivity and agriculture (ploughshares), symbolizing a transition from violence to peaceful pursuits.