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Awn: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒพ
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awn

 

[ ษ”n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant anatomy

An awn is a bristle-like appendage found on certain plants, particularly grasses and cereals. It can serve various functions such as aiding in seed dispersal or providing protection to the seed. The presence of awns can affect the way seeds interact with their environment.

Synonyms

bristle, hair, spike

Examples of usage

  • The awns of the barley plants help catch the wind for seed dispersal.
  • Some species have long awns that can irritate animals' mouths.
  • The shape of the awn can influence the germination process.
  • Awns can be found on the flowering parts of many grasses.

Translations

Translations of the word "awn" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espiga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฐเฅเคฃเคฟเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ร„hre

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ telinga

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปะพั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kล‚os

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ฉ‚

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpi

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ espiga

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baลŸak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด์‚ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู†ุงุจู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klas

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ klas

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฉ—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ klas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ korn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะธะดะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฆแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ darฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ espiga

Word origin

The word 'awn' originates from the Old English 'acn', which referred to a bristle or sharp projection. The modern use of the term has remained relatively consistent, particularly in the field of botany. Its roots can be traced further back to Proto-Germanic โ€˜aknaz,โ€™ which implies a projecting part or appendage. In scientific contexts, 'awn' has been used since the 18th century to describe specific structures in flowering plants, especially within the Poaceae family (grasses). The study of awns is significant in understanding plant evolution and adaptation, serving as an intriguing example of how structural features can impact ecological interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,864, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.