Definition

Noun: - A type of corn (Zea mays) whose kernels are composed almost entirely of soft starch, giving them a tender, floury texture when dried. This contrasts with types like flint corn or dent corn, which have harder endosperm.

Usage

• This term is used specifically in agriculture, botany, and culinary contexts to classify and describe a particular variety of corn based on its kernel composition.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., soft corns).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer grew a field of soft corn ideal for making fine cornmeal.
  • Soft corn is often preferred for certain traditional recipes because it grinds more easily into flour.
  • The primary characteristic of soft corn is its starchy, non-vitreous kernels.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical classification, soft corn is one of several major types based on endosperm characteristics, alongside popcorn, flint corn, dent corn, and sweet corn.
• The term can be used descriptively in genetic or breeding studies: "The gene variant results in a soft corn phenotype."

Variants and Related Words

• Flour corn: A common synonym for soft corn.
• Zea mays amylacea: The scientific subspecies name sometimes used for floury or soft corn types.
• Endosperm: The starchy part of the kernel that is soft in this corn type.
• Cornmeal: A product often made by grinding soft corn.

Synonyms

• Flour corn

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Flint corn (corn with very hard, vitreous kernels)
• Dent corn (corn with a mix of hard and soft starch that causes a dent in the kernel)

Noun

1. corn having kernels almost entirely of soft starch