Search results for 'grain':

grain noun 1 a single small hard fruit, resembling a seed, produced by a cereal plant or other grass. 2 such fruits referred to collectively. 3 any of the cereal plants that produce such fruits, eg wheat, corn. 4 a small hard particle of anything. 5 a very small amount • a grain of truth. 6 a the arrangement, size and direction of the fibres or layers in wood, leather, etc b the pattern formed as a result of this arrangement. 7 the main direction of the fibres in paper or the threads in a woven fabric. 8 any of the small particles of metallic silver that form the dark areas of the image on a developed photograph. 9 in the avoirdupois system: the smallest unit of weight, equal to 0.065 grams, formerly said to be the average weight of a grain of wheat (7 000 grains being equivalent to one pound avoirdupois). 10 in the troy system: a similar unit of weight (5760 grains being equivalent to one pound troy). verb (grained, graining) 1 tr & intr to form into grains. 2 to give a rough appearance or texture to something. 3 to paint or stain something with a pattern like the grain of wood or leather. grained adj. graining noun. go against the grain to be against someone's principles or natural character.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin granum seed.