Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of corn (maize) characterized by kernels that possess a hard, glassy outer layer (pericarp) surrounding a softer, starchy interior (endosperm). This variety is primarily grown for its dried kernels, which are used for human consumption (e.g., as grits, cornmeal) or as livestock feed.

Usage

• This term is a specific botanical classification. It is used in agricultural, botanical, and culinary contexts to distinguish this type of corn from others, such as sweet corn or flour corn.
• Example: "The farmer planted a field of zea mays indurata because its hard kernels are ideal for milling into cornmeal."
• Example: "Archaeological evidence shows that zea mays indurata was cultivated by ancient civilizations in the Americas."

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used interchangeably with "flint corn" in common parlance. In formal taxonomy, is considered a subspecies or variety of maize ().
• It may appear in scientific literature, seed catalogs, or discussions about heirloom crop varieties.

Variants and Related Words

• Flint corn (n): The common name for , referring to the hard, flint-like texture of its kernels.
• Dent corn () (n): A related variety characterized by a dent in the top of each kernel, contrasting with the hard, smooth kernels of flint corn.
• Popcorn () (n): A related variety where the kernels explode when heated.
• Maize (n): The more general term for the plant species , which includes all corn varieties.

Synonyms

• Flint maize
• Indian corn (Note: This term can sometimes refer broadly to colorful varieties of maize, not exclusively to .)
• Hard corn

Related Phrases/Idioms

Noun

1. corn having kernels with a hard outer layer enclosing the soft endosperm