Pronunciation: [sˈɪkə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "sickles" is spelled with an "s" and a "k" because it comes from the Old English word "sicol," meaning "sickle." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈsɪkəlz/. The "s" is pronounced like the "s" in "sit," and the "k" is pronounced like the "k" in "kite." The "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit," and the "l" is pronounced like the "l" in "bell." The final "es" is pronounced like the "z" in "buzz."
Sickles are hand-held agricultural tools consisting of a curved blade with a long handle, specifically designed for cutting or harvesting crops such as grain or grass. The design of a sickle is characterized by a circular or semicircular, concave blade with a sharp inner edge, typically made of metal, that is attached to a short wooden or metal handle. The blade's inner edge is commonly serrated or jagged, facilitating the cutting motion to efficiently sever plant stalks.
Sickles are traditionally utilized in manual harvesting methods, particularly in regions with small-scale or subsistence farming practices. When using a sickle, the user typically grips the handle with one hand and sweeps the blade in a rhythmic, arcing motion to cut the plants close to the ground. Due to their simplicity and relative ease of use, sickles have remained a popular tool for small-scale agricultural activities in various cultures throughout history.
Apart from their agricultural applications, sickles have also been used for other purposes, such as trimming tree branches, cutting hay, or even in certain martial arts practices. However, their primary function and historical significance lie in crop harvesting. In modern times, sickles have largely been replaced by more efficient and mechanized tools, but they still find use in specific contexts where manual labor is preferred or necessary.
The word "sickles" is derived from the Old English word "sicol", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "seglaz". In Old English, it was spelled as "sicol", and it referred to a reaping hook or a short, curved blade used for cutting grass or crops. The word further evolved in Middle English to "sikkel" and later to "sickle" in modern English. The etymology of "sickles" showcases its ancient roots and its connection to various Germanic languages over time.
