grain (gr n)n. 1. a. A small, dry, one-seeded fruit of a cereal grass, having the fruit and the seed walls united: a single grain of wheat; gleaned the grains from the ground one at a time. Also called caryopsis. b. The fruits of cereal grasses especially after having been harvested, considered as a group: The grain was stored in a silo. 2. a. A cereal grass: Wheat is a grain grown in Kansas. b. Cereal grasses considered as a group: Grain is grown along the river. 3. a. A relatively small discrete particulate or crystalline mass: a grain of sand. b. A small amount or the smallest amount possible: hasn't a grain of sense. 4. Aerospace A mass of solid propellant. 5. Abbr. gr. A unit of weight in the U.S. Customary System, an avoirdupois unit equal to 0.002285 ounce (0.065 gram). See Table at measurement. 6. The arrangement, direction, or pattern of the fibrous tissue in wood. 7. a. The side of a hide or piece of leather from which the hair or fur has been removed. b. The pattern or markings on this side of leather. 8. The pattern produced, as in stone, by the arrangement of particulate constituents. 9. The relative size of the particles composing a substance or pattern: a coarse grain. 10. A painted, stamped, or printed design that imitates the pattern found in wood, leather, or stone. 11. The direction or texture of fibers in a woven fabric. 12. A state of fine crystallization. 13. a. Basic temperament or nature; disposition. b. An essential quality or characteristic. 14. Archaic Color; tint. v. grained, grain·ing, grains v.tr. 1. To cause to form into grains; granulate. 2. To paint, stamp, or print with a design imitating the grain of wood, leather, or stone. 3. To give a granular or rough texture to. 4. To remove the hair or fur from (hides) in preparation for tanning. v.intr. Idioms: To form grains. against the grain Contrary to custom, one's inclination, or good sense. with a grain of salt With reservations; skeptically: Take that advice with a grain of salt. [Middle English, from Old French graine, from Latin gr num; see g  -no- in Indo-European roots.]grain  er n. |
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