Definitions for the word "grain" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. & n.
See Groan.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A single small hard seed; a kernel, especially of those plants, like wheat, whose seeds are used for food.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The fruit of certain grasses which furnish the chief food of man, as corn, wheat, rye, oats, etc., or the plants themselves; -- used collectively.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Any small, hard particle, as of sand, sugar, salt, etc.; hence, any minute portion or particle; as, a grain of gunpowder, of pollen, of starch, of sense, of wit, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
The unit of the English system of weights; -- so called because considered equal to the average of grains taken from the middle of the ears of wheat. 7,000 grains constitute the pound avoirdupois, and 5,760 grains the pound troy. A grain is equal to .0648 gram. See Gram.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A reddish dye made from the coccus insect, or kermes; hence, a red color of any tint or hue, as crimson, scarlet, etc.; sometimes used by the poets as equivalent to Tyrian purple.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
The composite particles of any substance; that arrangement of the particles of any body which determines its comparative roughness or hardness; texture; as, marble, sugar, sandstone, etc., of fine grain.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
The direction, arrangement, or appearance of the fibers in wood, or of the strata in stone, slate, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
The fiber which forms the substance of wood or of any fibrous material.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
The hair side of a piece of leather, or the marking on that side.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
The remains of grain, etc., after brewing or distillation; hence, any residuum. Also called draff.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A rounded prominence on the back of a sepal, as in the common dock. See Grained, a., 4.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. a.
Temper; natural disposition; inclination.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. a.
A sort of spice, the grain of paradise.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t.
To paint in imitation of the grain of wood, marble, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. t.
To form (powder, sugar, etc.) into grains.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. t.
To take the hair off (skins); to soften and raise the grain of (leather, etc.).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
To yield fruit.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
To form grains, or to assume a granular ferm, as the result of crystallization; to granulate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. n.
A branch of a tree; a stalk or stem of a plant.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. n.
A tine, prong, or fork.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. n.
One the branches of a valley or of a river.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. n.
An iron first speak or harpoon, having four or more barbed points.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. n.
A blade of a sword, knife, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. n.
A thin piece of metal, used in a mold to steady a core.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
26. n.
1 fruit or seed of a cereal. 2 (collect.) Wheat or any allied grass used as food; corn. 3 small hard particle of salt, sand, etc. 4 unit of weight, 0.0648 gram. 5 smallest possible quantity (not a grain of truth in it). 6 roughness of surface. 7 texture of skin, wood, stone, etc. 8 a pattern of lines of fibre in wood or paper. B lamination in stone etc. v. 1 paint in imitation of the grain of wood etc. 2 give a granular surface to. 3 form into grains. against the grain contrary to one''s natural inclination or feeling. grainy adj. (-ier, -iest). [latin granum]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "grain" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "grain" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "grain") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.