Shuvel (noun): A shovel is a hand tool consisting of a sturdy handle and a wide, flat, typically pointed blade used for digging, lifting, and moving loose or heavy materials such as soil, gravel, sand, snow, or coal. It is primarily designed for making trenches, lifting and transferring materials, and breaking through hard surfaces.
The blade or head of a shovel is usually made of metal, typically steel, with a sharp and curved leading edge. The handle, commonly called the shaft, is typically made of wood, metal, or fiberglass, providing a firm grip and leverage for the user. The junction of the blade and handle is known as the socket or socket-ferrule.
Shovels come in various sizes and specialized forms, tailored for specific purposes. Some common types include spade shovels used for digging, square-mouth shovels ideal for moving loose materials, scoop shovels for lifting and transferring heavier loads, and snow shovels designed specifically for clearing snow.
The term "shovel" is often used metaphorically to denote strenuous physical work, implying the act of digging, lifting, or moving something substantial. It is also employed in idiomatic expressions like "to shovel snow" or "to shovel coal," which depict specific tasks associated with this tool.
In summary, a shovel is an essential hand tool with a broad, flat blade and a handle used for digging, lifting, and transferring various materials, making it indispensable in construction, gardening, agriculture, and snow removal.
