Definition

Noun: * A type of corn (maize): Specifically, a variety of corn whose kernels contain both hard and soft starch. As the kernels dry, the soft starch shrinks, causing the top of each kernel to become indented or dented. This is a major type of field corn used primarily for livestock feed and industrial products, not typically for fresh human consumption.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer planted a field of Zea mays indentata to use as silage for his cattle.
  • Dent corn, or Zea mays indentata, is easily recognizable by the distinctive dent in the crown of each dried kernel.
  • Most of the corn grown in the United States Corn Belt is Zea mays indentata.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: The term is a botanical classification. In common agricultural and commercial language, this variety is almost exclusively called dent corn.
• Contextual Use: This term is primarily used in scientific, agricultural, botanical, or very specific technical contexts. In everyday conversation, even among farmers, the simpler term "dent corn" is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Dent corn (n): The common name for .
• Field corn (n): A broader category that includes dent corn () along with other types like flint corn, used for animal feed, cornmeal, and industrial purposes.
• Flint corn () (n): A related variety of corn with very hard kernels and little soft starch, which does not dent.
• Flour corn () (n): A variety with soft, starchy kernels used primarily for making corn flour.

Synonyms

• Dent corn
• Field corn (in a general sense)

Related Terms and Phrases

• Kernel dent: The characteristic physical trait of this corn variety.
• Starch composition: Refers to the mix of hard and soft starch within the kernel, which is the key defining feature.

Noun

1. corn whose kernels contain both hard and soft starch and become indented at maturity