Definition

Noun: 1. A sharp steel wedge that precedes the plowshare in a plow: A coulter is a vertical cutting blade attached to a plow frame. Its primary function is to slice vertically through the soil and vegetation (like sod or crop residue) ahead of the plowshare, which then lifts and turns the soil. This action creates a clean, defined furrow and makes the plowing process more efficient.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The farmer sharpened the coulter before attaching it to the plow.
  • A sharp coulter is essential for cutting through tough, rooted soil.
  • The plow's coulter sliced a neat line ahead of the share.

Advanced Usage

• "Set the coulter": This phrase refers to adjusting the depth or angle of the coulter blade relative to the plowshare and the soil.
  • The depth of the furrow depends on how you set the coulter.

Variants and Related Words

• Colter: This is a common alternative spelling for "coulter." Both spellings refer to the same agricultural implement.

Synonyms

• Plow knife: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its cutting function.
• Cutter (in the context of plowing): A more general term that can refer to the coulter's role.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Plowshare (or Share): The horizontal blade of a plow that follows the coulter and actually lifts and turns the soil to form the furrow. The coulter and plowshare work as a paired set.
• Moldboard: The curved part of a plow behind the share that turns the sliced soil over.

Noun

1. a sharp steel wedge that precedes the plow and cuts vertically through the soil