field
UK: fiːld | US: fiːld
n. an open area of land, especially one used for farming or sports
n. a particular branch of study or sphere of activity
n. a region where a force (e.g., magnetic, electric) has measurable influence
vt. to catch or stop a ball in sports
The word "field" traces back to Old English feld, meaning "open land" or "plain," derived from Proto-Germanic felthuz. It shares roots with Dutch veld and German Feld, all referring to expanses of uncultivated or cultivated land. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to domains of study (e.g., "field of medicine") and physics ("magnetic field"). The verb form emerged in sports contexts, reflecting action within a literal field.
The cows grazed peacefully in the green field.
She specializes in the field of quantum physics.
The player skillfully fielded the ball during the match.
The artist drew inspiration from the golden fields of wheat.
This discovery has significant implications for the field of renewable energy.