Corn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
đ˝
corn
[kÉËn ]
Definitions
food
Corn is a type of grain that is commonly eaten as a vegetable. It is a staple food in many cultures around the world.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corn |
Used primarily in American English to refer to the yellow grain that is used as food for humans and animals. It is commonly associated with agriculture, farming, and food products.
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| maize |
Used in British English and in scientific contexts to refer to the same grain as 'corn'. It is often used in formal writings or discussions about agriculture and biology.
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Examples of usage
- I love eating corn on the cob in the summer.
- Corn is a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes.
agriculture
Corn is also a crop grown for its grain, which is used for livestock feed, as well as in the production of biofuels and other products.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corn |
In British English and other regions, it can refer to any grain like wheat or barley.
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| maize |
Primarily used in scientific and agricultural contexts to refer to the plant known in the US as corn. More common in British English and other English-speaking countries outside the US.
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Examples of usage
- Farmers in the Midwest grow acres of corn every year.
- Corn production plays a significant role in the economy of many countries.
informal
In informal contexts, 'corn' can refer to something old-fashioned or outdated.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cheesy |
Use 'cheesy' to describe something that is trying to be appealing but ends up being in poor taste, overly sentimental, or excessively showy. It often has a negative connotation.
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| old-fashioned |
Use 'old-fashioned' to describe something that belongs to or is characteristic of a past time. It can be either positive or negative depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- That joke is so corny!
- His fashion sense is a bit corn.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- This plant was first domesticated by ancient peoples in southern Mexico around 9,000 years ago.
- Native Americans cultivated it and shared techniques with European settlers in the 1600s.
- Corn was a crucial part of many Native American cultures and often used in their rituals.
Culinary Uses
- Popcorn is a special type of corn that explodes when heated, making it a favorite snack at movies.
- Corn is used to produce a variety of food products, including tortillas, syrup, and starch.
- Around 1 billion tons of corn are harvested worldwide each year, making it one of the most important crops.
Agriculture
- Corn is often grown in large fields and can thrive in many climates, particularly in the Americas.
- It's a staple crop, which means many animals and humans rely on it for food and products.
- Genetically modified corn is common, designed to resist pests and enhance growth.
Pop Culture
- In the U.S., maize, or corn, is celebrated during festivals like the Harvest Festival.
- Characters in popular movies and books sometimes use corn as a central symbol of farm life, like in 'The Wizard of Oz.'
- Cornfields have a mysterious appeal in horror films, symbolizing hidden dangers or secrets.
Science
- Corn is a flowering plant and belongs to the grass family, alongside wheat and rice.
- Each corn plant can produce dozens of ears, each filled with many kernels.
- The color of corn can vary, not just yellow, but also blue, red, and even multicolored varieties exist.
Origin of 'corn'
The word 'corn' originated from the Old English word 'corn', which meant any small hard particle or grain. Over time, it specifically came to refer to the cereal crop we now know as corn or maize. Maize was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico over 10,000 years ago. It spread throughout the Americas and eventually to the rest of the world after European colonization. Today, corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the world, with various uses in food, feed, and industry.