kraal

/krɑ:l/

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The word "kraal" is a noun that has two main meanings, both of which are related to traditional settings in Southern Africa.

Basic Explanation:

1. Kraal as a Livestock Pen: A kraal is a fenced area or enclosure where farmers keep their animals, like cows, goats, or sheep. It helps protect the animals from predators and keeps them safe.

   • Example: "The farmer led his cattle into the kraal for the night."

2. Kraal as a Village: A kraal can also refer to a small village or community made up of huts, where people live. These villages are often surrounded by a fence or wall for security.

   • Example: "The travelers visited a kraal to learn about the local culture."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "kraal" when discussing traditional farming practices or when talking about rural communities in Southern Africa.

Advanced Usage:

• In some contexts, the term "kraal" might be used to describe not just the physical structure but also the way of life associated with the communities that live in such areas.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the word "kraal," but you might encounter related terms in different contexts, such as "kraals" (plural) when referring to more than one livestock pen or village.

Different Meanings:

• While "kraal" specifically refers to livestock pens and villages in the context of Southern Africa, it may not have widely recognized meanings in other cultures or regions.

Synonyms:

• For livestock pen: corral (a similar term used in English-speaking countries).
• For village: hamlet or settlement (though these may not convey the same cultural significance).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "kraal," as it is a specific term.

Summary:

To sum up, "kraal" is a unique word that refers to both a livestock enclosure and a type of village in Southern Africa. It reflects important aspects of rural life and culture in the region.

Academic

Noun

1. a pen for livestock in southern Africa
2. a village of huts for native Africans in southern Africa; usually surrounded by a stockade