Definition

To take off the tassel, which is the part of a corn plant that produces pollen, from a female corn plant during the process of making hybrids.

Example

Farmers detassel corn plants to improve the quality of the hybrid seeds.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you ever help on the farm during corn season?

Yeah, I used to detassel corn with my cousins.

That sounds interesting! What was it like to detassel?

It was fun but also a bit tiring under the sun.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Detassel is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "tassel" (from Middle English *tasel*, meaning a tuft or a bunch). The word refers to the act of removing the tassels or tufts from corn plants, typically to improve crop yield.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'tufts' ('tassel') from corn plants — that's what detassel means.

Visually Confused Words