Grain
/ɡreɪn/noun
The small, hard seeds of food plants, especially cereal crops.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, grain was not just food; it was often seen as a gift from the gods, and its scarcity could lead to famine and uprising.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲr̥eh₁n-
“To separate, to sift, or to grind.”
Latin
Latin
granum
“A seed, grain, or kernel.”
Old French
Old French
grain
“Seed, grain, or berry.”
Middle English
Middle English
grain
“Grain, seed, or fine flour.”
Modern English
English
grain
“The small seeds of cereal plants or other crops.”