cultivator

noun

Etymology: From cultivate + -or, partly after French cultivateur.

1. Any of several devices used to loosen or stir the soil, either to remove weeds or to provide aeration and drainage.

   “Near-synonyms: scarifier, scuffler (not always precisely differentiated; dialectal usage has varied)”

   “As the crop gets bigger, the shank spacing on the cultivator will need to be adjusted accordingly.”

2. A person who cultivates.

   “The cultivators were out among the row crops, keeping the weeds in check.”

3. A person who cultivates.

   “Near-synonyms: grower, planter, farmer”

   “She was a devoted cultivator of roses and orchids.”

4. A person who cultivates.

   “She was a wonderful cultivator of potential in her direct reports.”