swath

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a strip of grass, grain, or other vegetation cut by a scythe or mowing machine

   Each pass of the mower left a neat swath across the field.

2. 2
   noun

   a broad strip, sweep, or area of something

   The wildfire burned a wide swath through the forest.

From Middle English swath and Old English swæth or swathu, 'track, trace, or path,' cognate with Dutch zwad and German Schwade, 'swath or windrow.' The agricultural strip left by a cutting stroke broadened figuratively to any wide band or area.

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