thrashing-machine

A farmer uses a thrashing-machine to separate grain from stalks.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A machine for threshing grain: "thrashing-machine" is an agricultural device used to separate grain from the stalks and husks, typically by beating or striking the harvested crop.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer used a thrashing-machine to process the wheat harvest quickly. (An agricultural machine for separating grain.)
  • Before the invention of the thrashing-machine, grain was separated by hand with a flail. (A historical farming tool replaced by the machine.)
  • The old thrashing-machine in the barn is now a museum piece. (A retired or antique device.)

Advanced Usage

• "to run a thrashing-machine": to operate the device during harvest season.

  • In the 19th century, teams of workers would run a thrashing-machine for days. (To manage and use the machine for threshing.)

• "thrashing-machine belt": a leather or rubber belt that powers the machine.

  • The thrashing-machine belt snapped, halting the work. (A mechanical component that drives the device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thrashing (n): the action of beating or striking, especially to separate grain.

  • The thrashing of the wheat took three hours. (The process of separating grain.)

• Threshing-machine (n): an alternative spelling of "thrashing-machine," with the same meaning.

  • The threshing-machine revolutionized farming in the 1800s. (A variant spelling.)

• Thresher (n): a person or machine that threshes grain.

  • The thresher worked tirelessly during harvest. (A worker or device for threshing.)

Synonyms

• Thresher: a machine or person that separates grain from stalks.
• Grain separator: a device that separates grain from chaff and straw.
• Flail: a manual tool used for threshing before machines (not a synonym, but a related tool).

Phrasal Verbs

• Thrash out: to discuss or resolve something thoroughly (figurative, not directly related to the machine).
  • They thrashed out the details of the contract. (To debate and settle a matter.)

Related Idioms

• Thrash about: to move or struggle violently (figurative, not directly related to the machine).
  • The fish thrashed about in the net. (To move wildly.)

Note: "Thrashing-machine" is a specific, historical term. It is not commonly used in modern English, where "threshing machine" is more standard. The word is often found in historical or agricultural contexts.