coulter

noun

coul·​ter ˈkōl-tər How to pronounce coulter (audio)
: a cutting tool (such as a knife or sharp disc) that is attached to the beam of a plow, makes a vertical cut in the surface, and permits clean separation and effective covering of the soil and materials being turned under

Examples of coulter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Nature protects history and human life Inside the remarkable medieval settlement, archaeologists found moats, remains of buildings, and artifacts, 244 to be exact, including 66 knives, sickles, iron coulters, arrowheads, spearheads, and personal accessories were identified, as per Heritage Daily. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English colter, from Old English culter & Old French coltre, both from Latin culter plowshare; akin to Greek skallein to hoe — more at shell

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coulter was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Coulter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coulter. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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