awn

Everyday

(science) A thin, stiff bristle growing from the seed head of some grasses and grains, like barley and wheat. tree →

In the lessons

In science and farming: awns give barley its whiskery look; they can catch on animals' fur and help spread seeds. Safety: grass awns can get stuck in dogs' ears and paws.

Examples

• Barley has long awns. tree →
• The awns on the wheat looked like whiskers. tree →
• A grass awn got stuck in the dog's paw. tree →
• Some awns help seeds dig into the ground. tree →
• Look at the awns with a magnifying glass. tree →
• The field shimmered as wind moved the awns. tree →

Note

Countable. Rare word; sounds like «on» in many accents.

In Jewish tradition

In Ezekiel the "awning" is a cloth cover on the ship of Tyre, made of blue and purple cloth. In the primary lessons: In science and farming: awns give barley its whiskery look; they can catch on animals' fur and help spread seeds. Safety: grass awns can get stuck in dogs' ears and paws.

Examples

• Of fine linen with richly woven work from Egypt was thy sail, that it might be to thee for an ensign; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was thine awning. (Prophets EZK.27.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. Rare word; sounds like «on» in many accents.