grain

grain · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The small, hard seeds of cereal plants such as wheat, rice, or corn.

  2. 2.

    A small, hard particle of a substance.

  3. 3.

    The smallest unit of weight in the troy and avoirdupois systems.

  4. 4.

    The texture or pattern of fibers in wood, leather, or stone.

  5. 5.

    A person's natural character or tendency.

Forms

plural: grains

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    against the grain — contrary to one's nature or inclination
  • •
    a grain of truth — a small amount of truth
  • •
    take with a grain of salt — to view skeptically
  • •
    the grain — the direction of fibers in wood or fabric

Related words

See also: cereal, rice, wheat
Synonyms: cereal, kernel, seed

Etymology

From Old French grain, from Latin granum ("grain, seed"), from Proto-Indo-European root meaning "worn down."