ENGLISH
REFERENCE

agriculture

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈæɡɹɪˌkəɫtʃɝ// UK //ˈæɡɹɪkˌʌltʃɐ// agri·cul·ture General-service

n. the work of growing crops and raising animals for food and other products. It is the science and business of farming.

n. the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock.


SIMPLE

Modern agriculture uses technology to grow more food.

CONTEXTUAL

The country's economy depends heavily on agriculture, particularly the export of wheat and corn.

COMPLEX

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs by protecting soil health and water quality.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English agriculture, partly from Middle French agriculture and partly from its etymon Latin agricultūra, from ager (“field”) + cultūra (“cultivation”). See acre and culture.

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally countable when referring to specific regional or historical systems of farming.

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