Grain: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in a general sense when referring to small, hard particles that are used for food or fodder. Also used in various contexts such as describing the texture of a surface.

• Farmers harvest the grain in the fall.
• The grain of the wood gives it a unique appearance.

Used when talking about the reproductive part of a plant that can grow into a new plant. Also used metaphorically to describe the beginning of an idea or plan.

• We planted seeds in the garden last spring.
• The lecture planted the seed of curiosity in her mind.

Specifically used when talking about breakfast foods made from grains, such as oats, wheat, corn, etc. It can also refer to the plants from which these foods are derived.

• I have cereal with milk every morning.
• Wheat is a common type of cereal grown in many countries.

Refers to the softer, usually edible part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut. Often used when talking about corn or nutshells.

• Each kernel of corn is tasty and sweet.
• She cracked open the nut and ate the kernel inside.

Often used to describe small, hard particles like seeds of cereal plants or a tiny amount of a substance. It can also refer to the texture of wood or fabric.

• She added a grain of salt to the mixture.
• The table has a beautiful wood grain.

Refers to a tiny measure of weight in the apothecaries' system, but more commonly used to describe a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality of an action.

• She has no scruples about lying to get what she wants.
• He weighed the ingredients in scruples.

Used to measure the weight of gemstones, especially diamonds. It can also indicate the purity of gold.

• The ring features a one-carat diamond.
• The necklace is made of 24-carat gold.

A small unit of weight, commonly used in apothecaries' weight systems. It can also refer to a small drink of spirits.

• The medicine was measured in drams.
• He poured himself a dram of whiskey.

Used in agriculture to refer to crops like wheat, corn, and rice. Also refers to food products made from these crops.

• Farmers harvested the grain in the fall.
• Whole grain bread is considered healthier than white bread.

Commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts to refer to very small pieces or portions of a substance.

• Dust particles floated in the sunlight.
• They studied the behavior of subatomic particles.

Generally refers to a very tiny spot or mark, often difficult to see. Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something insignificant.

• There was a speck of dirt on the window.
• In the vast universe, Earth is just a speck.

Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe tiny, grain-like particles, usually uniform in size.

• The detergent comes in the form of granules.
• Salt granules were scattered across the table.