Definition

1. Noun:
   • The main stem of a corn plant: "corn stalk" refers specifically to the tall, upright, cylindrical structure that supports the leaves, ears, and tassel of a maize (corn) plant.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • After the harvest, the dried corn stalks were left standing in the field.
  • The farmer used a machine to chop the corn stalks for animal feed.
  • A strong wind can sometimes cause corn stalks to bend or break.

Advanced Usage

• "cornstalk" (as a closed compound): Often written as a single word, "cornstalk" has the same meaning.
  • The field was a sea of green cornstalks.

Variants and Related Words

• Stalk (n): The main stem of a plant, especially of a cereal grass like corn, wheat, or rice.
  • The flower grew on a long, thin stalk.
• Stover (n): The dried stalks and leaves of a cereal crop (like corn) after the grain has been harvested, used as fodder or bedding for livestock.
  • The corn stover was collected and baled.

Synonyms

• Corn stem: A less common but direct synonym.
• Maize stalk: Used in British English and scientific contexts, as "maize" is the more precise term for the plant species .

Related Phrases

• Stalk borer: An insect pest that tunnels into and damages the stalks of plants like corn.
  • The corn crop was affected by stalk borers.
• Stalk strength: An agricultural term referring to the sturdiness of a corn plant's stalk, which affects its resistance to lodging (falling over).
  • This hybrid variety is known for its excellent stalk strength.

Noun

1. the stalk of a corn plant