agriculture
/'ægrikʌltʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the class of people engaged in growing food
- 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
- the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
- a large-scale farming enterprise