The word "tillers" is spelled with two "l" letters, despite the fact that the pronunciation only includes one. This is due to the silent "e" at the end of the word, which also changes the sound of the preceding vowel. The IPA phonetic transcription for "tillers" is /ˈtɪlərz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the vowel in the second syllable pronounced as a short "i" sound. The silent "e" is represented by the schwa symbol /ə/.
Tillers, in the context of agriculture, refer to tools or machines used for tilling or preparing the soil for planting crops. They are commonly used in both small-scale gardening and large-scale farming operations.
A tiller can be a manual hand tool typically consisting of a long handle and a blade or blades that are used to break up and aerate the soil, removing weeds and creating a loose seedbed. It is operated by pushing or pulling it along the ground. This type of tiller is often used in small gardens or flower beds.
Another type of tiller is a motorized machine designed for larger areas. It is equipped with rotating blades or tines that powerfully dig into the soil, breaking it up and effectively mixing in organic matter. These motorized tillers are operated by pushing or self-propelled, making the tilling process faster and less physically demanding compared to manual tools.
Tillers play a crucial role in farming as they facilitate the successful growth of crops by creating a favorable environment for seed germination and root development. By loosening the soil and breaking up compacted layers, tillers improve water absorption, nutrients accessibility, and soil aeration. They also aid in weed control by uprooting or burying unwanted vegetation.
Overall, tillers are essential tools in agricultural practices, contributing to the efficiency and productivity of farming and gardening activities by effectively preparing the soil for successful crop cultivation.
Shoots or sprouts springing from a root or stump; the young trees left to stand when a wood is felled.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tillers" has multiple etymological origins, depending on its context:
1. Tillers (plural of "tiller", meaning a lever used to steer a boat or aircraft):
- This usage of "tiller" has Middle English origins, derived from the Old English "tilian", meaning "to aim" or "to guide". It is related to the Old Norse "tíla", which means "to aim" or "to make straight".
2. Tillers (plural of "tiller", meaning a person who tills or cultivates land):
- This usage of "tiller" comes from the Middle English word "tilen" or "tylen", derived from Old English "tilian", meaning "to prepare", "to till", or "to succeed".