Definition

Noun 1. The dry, protective outer covering of an ear of corn (maize): A cornhusk is the leafy, paper-like layer that encloses and protects the kernels on a cob of corn before it is harvested and shucked.

Usage

The word "cornhusk" is used to refer specifically to the natural, inedible wrapping of an ear of corn. It is typically removed before the corn is cooked or processed. * Before boiling the corn, you must remove the cornhusk and the silk. * Traditional tamales are wrapped in cornhusks before being steamed. * The farmer piled the dried cornhusks to use later for compost.

Advanced Usage

• As a material: Cornhusks are often used in crafts, for making dolls, or as a natural, biodegradable wrapping for food.
  • The artisans wove the dried cornhusks into decorative figures.

Variants and Related Words

• Husk (noun): A more general term for the dry outer covering of various seeds and fruits, such as corn, rice, or coconuts.
• Shuck (noun/verb): As a noun, it can be synonymous with cornhusk. As a verb, it means to remove the husk from corn or a shell from shellfish.
  • Verb example: It's your job to shuck the corn for the barbecue.

Synonyms

• Chaff (though this more commonly refers to the husks of grains like wheat or rice after threshing).
• Hull (the outer covering of a seed or fruit, such as a pea pod or a sunflower seed).

Notes on Meaning

• The term "cornhusk" is specific to maize (corn). It is not used for the coverings of other grains or vegetables.
• In American English, "corn" refers specifically to maize. In British English, "corn" can be a general term for grain, but "cornhusk" still specifically denotes the husk of maize.

Noun

1. the husk of an ear of corn