Husks: meaning, definitions and examples

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husks

[hʌsks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

corn

The dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds, especially of an ear of corn.

Synonyms

cases, coverings, shells.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
husks	Typically used when referring to the outer, dry part of some fruits, seeds, or grains that is removed before eating. The corn husks were scattered all over the ground You need to remove the husk from the coconut
shells	Refers to the hard, outer layer of certain objects, often used in the context of nuts, eggs, or mollusks. I found several seashells on the beach You need to crack the shell to eat the walnut
coverings	A general term for something that lies over or around something else, often used to describe a wide variety of situations from clothing to protective layers. The book had a leather covering Snow acted as a soft covering over the fields
cases	Used to describe a container or covering that is designed to hold, protect, or store something, often associated with items like electronics, instruments, or eyeglasses. She placed her violin in the case for protection The phone case has a sleek design

Examples of usage

The husks of corn are often used as animal feed.
She peeled back the husks of the corn to reveal the kernels inside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

rice

The outer shell of rice grains that is removed during the milling process.

Synonyms

bran, chaff, hulls.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
husks	Husks refer to the dry outer covering of some seeds and fruits, often used when talking about corn or grains. The husks of the corn were removed before cooking The farmers gathered the husks after the harvest
chaff	Chaff refers to the husks of grains and grasses that are separated during threshing, often used metaphorically to describe something worthless. The wind blew away the chaff from the wheat In the end, only the important ideas remained, and the chaff was discarded
hulls	Hulls are the outer covering of fruits, seeds, or grains, commonly used when talking about nuts and legumes. The peanut hulls were scattered on the ground It's best to remove the hulls before cooking lentils
bran	Bran is the hard outer layer of cereal grains like wheat and rice, often used in the context of food and nutrition. Whole grain bread contains more bran, which is good for digestion The mill processed the wheat to separate the bran from the flour

Examples of usage

After the rice is harvested, the husks are removed to reveal the white grains.
Brown rice retains its husk, making it more nutritious.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

Husks protect seeds and grains from pests and environmental factors until they are ready for harvest.
In many cultures, husks from corn are used in crafts and decoration, showcasing their versatility.
Rice husks are often used as a natural fertilizer, adding nutrients back to the soil.

Etymology

The word has roots in Old English 'husca', which means 'skin' or 'cover'.
This term has been used since at least the 14th century to describe the outer layers of grains and fruits.

Culinary Uses

Husks from various grains are sometimes ground into flour for added fiber in baking.
In some cultures, the husks of corn are steamed to make tamales, with the husk serving as an edible wrapper.

Environmental Science

Husks, especially from grains like rice and corn, can be used as biofuel, contributing to sustainability.
They are also a key component in creating compost, breaking down to nourish soil and support plant health.

Literature

Husks are often symbolic in literature, representing protection, renewal, or the idea of shedding old layers for new growth.
In poetry, husks may serve as metaphors for personal transformation or the hidden depths of human experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "husks" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cascas

🇮🇳 छिलके

🇩🇪 Schalen

🇮🇩 kulit luar

🇺🇦 обгортки

🇵🇱 łuski

🇯🇵 皮

🇫🇷 écorces

🇪🇸 cáscaras

🇹🇷 kabuklar

🇰🇷 껍질

🇸🇦 قشور

🇨🇿 skořápky

🇸🇰 škrupiny

🇨🇳 外壳

🇸🇮 lupine

🇮🇸 skel

🇰🇿 қабығы

🇬🇪 ქერქები

🇦🇿 qabıqlar

🇲🇽 cáscaras

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,969, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21966 humbler
21967 franchisee
21968 donating
21969 husks
21970 strangle
21971 rant
21972 tau
...