Definition

Noun: * A tall annual grass (Pennisetum americanum, syn. Pennisetum glaucum) cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in Africa and Asia, for its edible grain. It is characterized by its dense, cylindrical, cattail-like seed heads. It is also grown for forage and hay, and its grains are sometimes used in brewing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Farmers in the Sahel region rely on Pennisetum americanum as a staple crop due to its drought tolerance.
  • The field was planted with Pennisetum americanum for silage.
  • Research is focused on improving the yield of Pennisetum americanum.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic name: The term is used in botanical and agricultural contexts to specify this particular species within the genus .
  • The study compared the growth of Pennisetum americanum with other millet species.

Variants and Related Words

• Pearl millet (n): The most common common name for this plant.
• Cattail millet (n): A descriptive common name referring to the shape of its seed head.
• Bulrush millet (n): Another common name.
• Pennisetum glaucum (n): A current botanical synonym.

Synonyms

• Pearl millet
• Cattail millet
• Bulrush millet

Related Phrases / Terms

• Drought-tolerant crop: A primary characteristic of .
• Staple grain: Describes its primary use in certain regions.
• Forage crop: Describes one of its agricultural uses.

Noun

1. tall grass having cattail like spikes; grown in Africa and Asia for its grain and in the United States chiefly for forage; sometimes used in making beer