Harvest

Definition

Harvest generally refers to the process or period of gathering crops that are mature.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑrvɪst/
• Respelling: HAR-vist (with "HAR" as in "car" and "vist" as in "list")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːvɪst/
• Respelling: HAAR-vist (with "HAAR" as in "car" and "vist" as in "list")

In both dialects, "harvest" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HAR" or "HAAR." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HAR-vist" or "HAAR-vist."

Etymology

The word "harvest" originates from the Old English term "hærfest," which meant "autumn." It is related to the Germanic root "harb-", signifying "to take or seize."

Derivatives

• Harvester (noun)
• Harvesting (noun, verb)
• Harvestable (adjective)
• Post-harvest (adjective)
• Harvesttime (noun)

Synonyms

• Reaping
• Gathering
• Crop

Antonyms

• Planting
• Sowing
• Seedtime

Usage

The term "harvest" is commonly used in agriculture to describe the act of collecting crops. It also has metaphorical uses, such as in data collection, fishing, and hunting, where the term refers to the act of gathering or obtaining resources.

Related Terms

• Yield
• Agriculture
• Cultivation
• Farming
• Produce

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The Process of Gathering Crops: The act of collecting ripe crops from the fields.
  • Example: The wheat harvest was particularly bountiful this year.

• The Season for Gathering Crops: The time of year when crops are ready to be harvested.
  • Example: In many regions, the grape harvest occurs in late summer or early autumn.

• The Quantity of Crops Gathered: The total yield of crops that have been collected.
  • Example: The farm's apple harvest exceeded expectations.

Verb

• To Gather Crops: To collect crops from the fields once they have reached maturity.
  • Example: The farmers harvested the corn early this morning.

• To Collect Resources: To gather or accumulate something, especially for use or consumption.
  • Example: The company harvests data from social media to analyze consumer trends.

Note: The term "harvest" can refer both to the act of collecting crops and the yield of crops themselves. It is closely related to agricultural activities, symbolizing the culmination of a season of growth and hard work. In broader contexts, "harvest" can also metaphorically describe the result or benefit gained from particular actions or endeavors.