grain

grain [grān]

n.

[ME greyne < OFr grein, a seed, grain (< L granum, a seed, kernel) & grainne, seed or grain collectively (< LL grana, fem., orig. pl. of L granum) < IE base * ĝer-, to become ripe > CORN¹, KERNEL]

1. a small, hard seed or seedlike fruit, esp. that of any cereal plant, as wheat, rice, corn, rye, etc.

2.

a) cereal seeds in general

b) the seeds of a specific cereal

c) any plant or plants producing cereal seeds: also called

3. corn in Great Britain

4.

a) a tiny, solid particle, as of salt or sand

b) a crystal or crystals collectively; also crystallization, esp. of sugar

5. a tiny bit; slightest amount [a grain of sense]

6. [orig. from the weight of a grain of wheat] the smallest unit in the system of weights used in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada, equal to .0648 gram: one pound avoirdupois equals 7,000 grains; one pound troy or apothecaries' weight equals 5,760 grains: abbrev. gr

7.

a) the arrangement or direction of fibers, layers, or particles of wood, leather, stone, paper, etc.

b) the markings or texture due to a particular arrangement

c) paint or other surface finish imitating such markings or texture

d) a granular surface appearance

8.

a) that side of a piece of leather from which the hair has been removed

b) the markings on that side

9.

a) disposition; nature

b) essential quality

10. Obs.

a) kermes or cochineal

b) a red dye made from either

c) any fast dye

d) Archaic color or shade

vt.

1. to form into grains; granulate

2. to paint or otherwise finish (a surface) in imitation of the grain of wood, marble, etc.

3.

a) to remove the hair from (hides)

b) to put a finish on the grain surface of (leather)

vi.

to form grains

——————

against the grain or against one's grain

contrary to one's feelings, nature, wishes, etc.; irritating or displeasing