Definition

A thin, hair-like part that grows on the flowers of some grasses.

Example

The awns of the wheat plants swayed gently in the breeze.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the awn on that grass over there?

Yeah, it's interesting how some plants have those little features.

I read that the awn helps with seed dispersal.

That makes sense! Nature has such clever ways of spreading seeds.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'awn' comes from Old English 'æwen', meaning a bristle or beard, specifically referring to the slender, hair-like structures found on certain plants, particularly grasses. It describes the fine, hair-like appendages that resemble a beard on the seed heads of some grasses.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for a 'bristle' or 'beard' — that's what an 'awn' resembles on a plant, helping you remember that it refers to those slender, hair-like structures.

Visually Confused Words