Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊte͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Ploughtail" might seem confusing, but it can be easily understood with the use of IPA phonetic transcription. In IPA, "Ploughtail" is spelled as /pləʊteɪl/, with the "ough" pronounced as "o." The "w" is silent, and the "t" and "a" are both emphasized in their pronunciation. Therefore, breaking down the word into its phonetic components can help in understanding its spelling and pronunciation.
Plough tail, also commonly spelled as "ploughtail," refers to the rear part of a plough, a farming tool designed for turning over soil in agricultural practices. The plough tail is the component that extends from the main body of the plough to the back end, opposite to the side where the coulter and ploughshare are attached.
Typically, the plough tail features a flat and wide structure, often wider than the body of the plough, positioned horizontally just above the ground level. It serves multiple purposes, including stabilizing the plough, maintaining the depth and alignment of the furrows, and preventing the plough from digging too deep or drifting off its intended course when drawn through the soil. The plough tail acts as a counterweight to balance the forces exerted on the plough, ensuring it remains steady and cuts smoothly through the ground.
Historically, plough tails were initially made of wood but have evolved into being constructed out of more durable materials like iron or steel. Moreover, plough tails can also be adjusted for different soil conditions to achieve desired results. Additionally, variations in the design of the plough tail exist depending on the specific type of plough such as the moldboard plough, disc plough, or chisel plough.
In summary, the plough tail is the posterior part of a plough that plays a vital role in stabilizing, guiding, and maintaining the proper depth of the plough's furrows during agricultural activities.
The word "Ploughtail" is a compound word consisting of "plough" and "tail".
The term "plough" has its roots in Middle English "plouh" from Old English "plōh", which originally referred to a plow or a plow-like implement used for tilling the soil. It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*plōganą".
The word "tail" comes from Middle English "tayl" or "taile", and can be traced back to Old English "tæġel", meaning a tail or the rear extremity of an animal. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*taglaz".
Therefore, the word "ploughtail" implies the rear part or extension of a plow, which typically refers to the backside of the plow that attaches to the animals or machines pulling it.
