Definition

1. Noun:
   • The science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock: "Agriculture" refers to the practice and system of farming, including the cultivation of plants and the rearing of animals for food, fiber, and other products.
   • The sector or industry of farming: "Agriculture" can also refer to the entire economic and social sector involved in farming activities.
   • The process of tilling and managing land for crop production: This meaning emphasizes the practical work of preparing and using land for growing food.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Modern agriculture relies heavily on technology and scientific research.
  • The country's economy is largely based on agriculture.
  • Sustainable agriculture aims to protect the environment while producing food.

Advanced Usage

• "subsistence agriculture": farming that provides only enough food for the farmer's own family, with little or no surplus for sale.
  • Many families in the region still practice subsistence agriculture.
• "industrial agriculture": a large-scale, intensive form of farming using modern technology and chemicals.
  • The debate over the environmental impact of industrial agriculture continues.

Variants and Related Words

• Agricultural (adj): relating to agriculture or farming.
  • The region has rich agricultural land.
• Agriculturist (n): a person who is an expert in agriculture; a farmer or scientist in this field.
  • The conference brought together leading agriculturists from around the world.

Synonyms

• Farming: the activity or business of growing crops and raising livestock.
• Cultivation: the preparation and use of land for growing crops.
• Agribusiness: agriculture conducted on strictly commercial principles, especially involving large companies.

Related Phrases

• "Department of Agriculture": a government ministry or agency responsible for policies related to farming, food, and rural affairs.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture issues reports on crop forecasts.
• "College of Agriculture": a university division focused on teaching and research in agricultural sciences.
  • She earned her degree from the College of Agriculture.

Idioms and Common Collocations

• "The backbone of the economy": (Agriculture is often described this way in economies where it is the main industry.)
  • For centuries, agriculture was the backbone of the nation's economy.
• "Agricultural revolution": a period of significant technological advancement and increased productivity in farming.
  • The introduction of the plow was a key part of the first agricultural revolution.

Noun

1. the class of people engaged in growing food
2. the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862
3. the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
4. a large-scale farming enterprise