A farming implement used to turn over soil before planting; as a verb, to work soil with such a tool or to move forcefully through something.
From Old English 'ploh,' related to Old Norse 'plogr.' The word has ancient Indo-European roots, reflecting the fundamental importance of this agricultural tool in early farming societies across Europe.
The plow is so fundamental to civilization that its invention marked the transition from subsistence farming to agricultural surplus, enabling the rise of cities and specialized professions. Linguistically, it's fascinating how 'plowing ahead' maintains the tool's sense of determined, methodical progress through resistance.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.