disk-harrow

disk-harrow

A farmer pulls a disk-harrow across a field to prepare the soil.

Definition

Noun: - Agricultural implement: A "disk-harrow" is a farm implement used to break up and smooth the surface of soil. It consists of a series of concave metal disks mounted on a frame, which are dragged across the field to cut, stir, and level the earth, typically after plowing.

Usage Examples
  • (The implement breaks up clods and smooths the soil.)
  • (The disks cut and mix the soil for better seed contact.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Disk-harrow" as a verb (rare): To use a disk-harrow on soil.

    • We need to disk-harrow the field before the rain arrives. (To apply the implement to the soil.)
  • "Tandem disk-harrow": A type with two gangs of disks set in opposite directions, providing more thorough soil mixing.

    • The tandem disk-harrow offers better weed control than a single-gang model. (The design improves cutting and turning of soil.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Disk (n): A flat, circular object; in farming, a metal blade used in a disk-harrow.

    • The disks on the harrow are sharp to cut through tough soil. (The circular blades are the working parts.)
  • Harrow (n): A broader term for any farm implement used to break up and smooth soil; a disk-harrow is a specific type.

    • The farmer owns both a spike-tooth harrow and a disk-harrow. (Different harrows have different functions.)
Synonyms
  • Disk harrow: An alternative spelling (with a space) of the same implement.
  • Disc harrow: British English spelling variant (using 'c' instead of 'k').
Related Idioms
  • "To harrow someone's feelings": This idiom uses "harrow" as a verb meaning to cause distress, but it is unrelated to the agricultural implement. It is not used with "disk-harrow."
    • The tragic news harrowed her soul. (It caused deep emotional pain.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Harrow up (rare): To break up soil thoroughly using a harrow.
    • The field must be harrowed up before planting. (The soil is fully broken and smoothed.)

Note: "Disk-harrow" does not form common phrasal verbs or idioms; its use is primarily technical in agriculture.