Definition

Noun 1. Hard pearly seeds of an Asiatic grass; often used as beads: This term refers to the small, hard, and lustrous seeds of a tall grass (Coix lacryma-jobi) native to tropical Asia. They are notable for their tear-drop shape and are commonly strung to make necklaces, rosaries, and other ornamental items.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wore a beautiful necklace made of Job's tears.
  • The seeds, known as Job's tears, are also used in some traditional medicines.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical and Cultural Context: The term is often used in botanical, ethnobotanical, or craft contexts to describe both the plant and its distinctive seeds. It is a proper noun, typically capitalized as "Job's tears," referring to the biblical figure Job.
  • The researcher studied the cultivation of Job's tears in Southeast Asia.

Variants and Related Words

• Coix lacryma-jobi (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the grass species that produces Job's tears.
• Adlay (n): Another common name for the seeds or the plant, especially when referring to its use as a cereal grain.

Synonyms

• Adlay seeds: Another name for the seeds, particularly in culinary contexts.
• Coix seeds: A term derived from the plant's genus name.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The term almost exclusively refers to the seeds of the specific grass species. It is not used as a general phrase for tears or sorrow, despite its evocative name. The connection to the biblical Job is symbolic, reflecting the seed's tear-like shape.

Noun

1. hard pearly seeds of an Asiatic grass; often used as beads