How Do You Spell PLOWSHARE?
Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊʃe͡ə] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [plˈa͡ʊʃe͡ə] (IPA)
A plowshare is a noun that refers to the cutting or scraping part of a plow, which is a farming tool used to turn over soil in order to prepare it for planting. Specifically, a plowshare is the wedge-shaped metal blade that is attached at the base of the plow. It is often made of steel and typically has a sharpened edge, allowing it to cut through the soil with ease. The primary purpose of a plowshare is to break up compacted earth, remove weeds, and upturn the soil to create furrows or ridges in the ground, facilitating the planting of seeds or young plants.
Plowshares come in various shapes and sizes, with some designed for specific types of soil or farming practices. The shape of the plowshare affects its effectiveness in cutting through the ground, and farmers may choose different designs depending on their geographical location, soil type, and desired depth of plowing. Additionally, plowshares can be replaceable or fixed, with replaceable plowshares allowing for easy replacement when they become worn or damaged.
Metaphorically, the term "plowshare" can also be used to symbolize peaceful or productive activity, reflecting its historical association with farming and cultivation. It is often referenced in idiomatic expressions such as "beating swords into plowshares," which signifies the transformation of weapons or conflict into constructive and peaceful endeavors.
The word "plowshare" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the combination of the words "plow" (or "plough"), meaning a farm implement used for breaking up soil, and "share", meaning a cutting blade or cutting edge. The Old English word for "plowshare" was "plohscær", which eventually developed into the modern term "plowshare". The word emphasizes the sharp or cutting part of the plow, as it is the share that actually penetrates the soil during plowing.
