Definition

Noun 1. A type of sorghum: "Kafir corn" is a common name for a specific variety of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a cereal grain plant. It is characterized by its importance as a source of food and its physical resemblance to maize (Indian corn), but with distinct, sawtooth-edged leaves.

Usage

• "Kafir corn" is used as a common name for this grain crop, particularly in agricultural and historical contexts.
• The term is considered dated and potentially offensive in some regions due to its etymology. More neutral, modern terms like "sorghum" or the specific cultivar name are preferred in contemporary usage.

Examples

• The farmer planted a field of kafir corn for livestock feed.
• Kafir corn is drought-resistant, making it a valuable crop in arid regions.
• Historically, kafir corn was a staple grain in parts of Africa.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often found in older botanical, agricultural, or ethnographic texts. In modern scientific and agricultural discourse, the Latin binomial or simply "sorghum" is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Sorghum: The general term for the genus and the most common modern name for the cereal.
• Great millet: Another historical common name for sorghum.
• Milo: A name for specific grain sorghum varieties.
• Durra: A name for a type of sorghum, particularly in Northeast Africa and Asia.

Synonyms

• Sorghum
• Grain sorghum

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Primary Meaning: The term specifically refers to a cultivar of sorghum known for its sawtooth-edged leaves and use as grain.
• Etymology and Sensitivity: The word "kafir" is an offensive term derived from Arabic, historically used by some to refer to non-Muslims. Consequently, the plant name "kafir corn" is avoided in favor of culturally neutral terminology. Its use today is largely historical or regional, and it is important to be aware of its potentially pejorative connotations.

Noun

1. important for human and animal food; growth habit and stem form similar to Indian corn but having sawtooth-edged leaves