Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall annual grass (Pennisetum glaucum) characterized by dense, cylindrical, cattail-like flower spikes. It is cultivated primarily in Africa and Asia for its edible grains (pearl millet), in the United States mainly for animal fodder, and is sometimes used in brewing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Pennisetum glaucum is a drought-resistant crop vital for food security in arid regions.
  • Farmers planted Pennisetum glaucum as a forage crop for their livestock.
  • The brewery experimented with using Pennisetum glaucum in a traditional beer recipe.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Agricultural Context: The term is used formally in botany, agriculture, and horticulture to specify the species.
  • The study focused on improving the yield of Pennisetum glaucum under water-scarce conditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Pearl millet: The common name for the grains of and the primary name for the crop itself.
• Bulrush millet: Another common name for this plant species.
• Cattail millet: A descriptive name referencing the appearance of its flower spikes.

Synonyms

• Pearl millet (common name)
• Bulrush millet (common name)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Millet: A broad category of small-seeded grasses to which belongs.
• Forage crop: A description of one of its primary uses, especially in the U.S.
• Cereal grain: A description of its primary use in Africa and Asia.

Noun

1. tall grass having cattail like spikes; grown in Africa and Asia for its grain and in the United States chiefly for forage; sometimes used in making beer