spreader
SPRED-er
/ˈspredər/
A machine used for distributing dry materials, such as fertilizer, manure, lime, or seeds, evenly across a field.
Focuses on the broadcast distribution of solid, granular, or organic materials, often using spinning discs to fling the material outward.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English word for stretching or scattering. In farming, the 'manure spreader' was one of the first labor-saving devices designed to replace the grueling task of pitching animal waste out of a wagon by hand.
Word relationships
- broadcaster: A broadcaster specifically flings materials in a wide circle, while a spreader can refer to any machine that distributes material, including drop spreaders.
Commonly confused with
- sprayer: A spreader distributes dry, solid materials; a sprayer applies liquid chemicals as a fine mist.
Word family
- spread (verb/noun): To open out, scatter, or distribute over an area.
Collocations
- manure spreader
- fertilizer spreader
- broadcast spreader
Example sentences
- "To enrich the soil before planting, the farmer loaded the spreader with compost and drove it across the empty field." Describing soil enrichment before planting.
Memory hook
A 'spreader' 'spreads' dry nutrients all over the ground. Spreader = Dry material distributor.
When not to use
Do not use when describing the application of liquids (use sprayer).
Fun facts
- The invention of the automated manure spreader in the late 19th century was celebrated by farmers because hand-spreading manure was considered the most unpleasant job on the farm.
Related words
Explore more words
fertilizer, disperse, distribution, spread, disseminate, sow
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