B1noun1K

Grain

UK /["/ɡreɪn/"]/US /["/ɡreɪn/"]/

Definition

the small hard seeds of food plants such as wheat, rice, etc.; a single seed of such a plant

In simple words: Small seeds from plants used for food.

Examples

  • The farmer harvested the grain this season.
  • She sprinkled a grain of salt into the soup.
  • Grain can be used to make various types of bread.
  • The grain of truth in his story made it more believable.
  • He examines the grain of the wood closely before crafting.

Usage notes

Commonly used in contexts of agriculture, food, and cooking. More formal in agricultural discussions, less formal when talking about food like rice or wheat.

Grammar pattern

countable and uncountable noun

Memory hint

Think of 'grain' as a 'gray' seed—visualize tiny gray seeds like pepper.

Collocations

  • large
  • small
  • whole
  • grow
  • produce
  • store
  • harvest
  • production
  • yield
  • fine
  • smooth
  • coarse
  • across the grain
  • against the grain
  • along the grain

Synonyms

  • iota

Antonyms

  • lushness
  • abundance

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'grain' as only referring to one type of seed.
  • Using 'grains' when not referring to multiple types is incorrect.
  • Mixing up 'grain' with 'grape' due to similar pronunciation.