grain
Pronounced:
/ˈgreɪn/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural grainsMeaning:
1 a [noncount] : the seeds of plants (such as wheat, corn, and rice) that are used for food ▪ bread made from whole wheat grain ▪ The machine grinds grain into flour. ; also [count] : a single seed of wheat, corn, rice, etc. ▪ a grain of rice b : a plant that produces grain [count] ▪ The farm grows a variety of grains. [noncount] ▪ fields planted with grain
2 [count] a : a small, hard piece of something ▪ a grain of sand/salt —see also take (something) with a grain of salt at 1salt b : a very small amount of something ▪ Anyone with a grain of sense knows that she's lying. ▪ There is not a grain of truth in what he said.
3 [count] a : the way the lines or fibers in something (such as wood) are arranged —usually singular ▪ She sanded the wood in the direction of the grain. b : the way that the surface of something feels when it is touched —usually singular ▪ The wood has a fine/coarse grain.
4 [count] : a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 grams
2 [count] a : a small, hard piece of something ▪ a grain of sand/salt —see also take (something) with a grain of salt at 1salt b : a very small amount of something ▪ Anyone with a grain of sense knows that she's lying. ▪ There is not a grain of truth in what he said.
3 [count] a : the way the lines or fibers in something (such as wood) are arranged —usually singular ▪ She sanded the wood in the direction of the grain. b : the way that the surface of something feels when it is touched —usually singular ▪ The wood has a fine/coarse grain.
4 [count] : a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 grams
against the grain
1 ◊To be/go against the grain is to be different or to act in a way that is different from what is normal or usual. ▪ It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.
2 ◊If something goes against your grain, it does not seem right or natural to you. ▪ It goes against his grain to question the boss's judgment.
2 ◊If something goes against your grain, it does not seem right or natural to you. ▪ It goes against his grain to question the boss's judgment.
—grained /ˈgreɪnd/ adjective ▪ beautifully grained wood ▪ coarse-grained leather
/ˈgreɪnd/ adjective ▪ beautifully grained wood ▪ coarse-grained leather