Definition

Noun: 1. The hard, central, cylindrical part of an ear of corn (maize) on which the kernels grow. It is the inedible, fibrous core that remains after the kernels are removed.

Usage

The word "corncob" is used to refer specifically to the core of the ear. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• After we finished eating the corn, we threw the corncob into the compost bin.
• The farmer showed the children how the kernels are attached to the corncob.
• A common craft project is to make dolls out of dried corncobs.

Advanced Usage

• "Corncob pipe": A traditional smoking pipe carved from the dried core of a corncob.
  • The old man was famously depicted with a corncob pipe.

Variants and Related Words

• Cob: A common short form for "corncob."
  • She used a dried cob to light the fire.
• Ear of corn: The entire structure, including the cob and the kernels.
• Corn kernel: The individual edible seed that grows on the cob.

Synonyms

• Core (of an ear of corn)
• Maize cob

Related Phrases

• Corn on the cob: This phrase refers to an entire ear of corn, with the kernels still attached to the cob, typically cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
  • We had grilled corn on the cob for dinner. (Note: This phrase describes the whole food item, not just the core.)

Noun

1. the hard cylindrical core that bears the kernels of an ear of corn