rototilling
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈroʊtəˌtɪlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈroʊtəˌtɪlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of using a machine to break up and aerate soil, making it easier to plant seeds and grow crops.
Example
Rototilling the garden helps prepare the soil for planting.
Conversation
Have you ever tried rototilling your garden?
No, I haven't, but I've heard it's really effective.
Yeah, it helps to mix the soil and prepare it for planting.
I should give it a go before the season starts!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tilling
cultivation
plowing
Antonyms
neglect
abandonment
desertion
verb
Definition
To prepare soil for planting by breaking it up with a machine that mixes and aerates the soil.
Example
The farmer is rototilling the garden to make it ready for spring planting.
Tense Forms
Past: rototilled
Past Participle: rototilled
Conversation
Have you ever tried rototilling your garden before planting?
No, I haven't, but I've heard it makes a big difference.
Yeah, it really helps to mix the soil well and break up clumps.
Root Explanation
Rototilling is formed from "rota" (from Latin, meaning wheel) and "tilling" (from Old English "tilian", meaning to prepare land for crops). The word describes the process of using a wheeled machine to prepare soil for planting.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'wheel' ('rota') that helps in 'preparing land' ('tilian') for crops — that's what rototilling means.
Visually Confused Words
rootling