cane

Everyday

1. A cane is a stick that people use to help them walk; a white cane helps blind people. tree →
2. A cane is the long hollow stem of some plants, like bamboo or sugar cane. tree →
3. A cane is a thin stick for supporting garden plants. tree →
4. A candy cane is a striped sweet shaped like a walking stick. tree →
5. In the past, to cane meant to hit a pupil with a stick as punishment, which is now banned. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, older people or people with injuries use a cane; a white cane tells others someone is blind or partly sighted. In science and geography, sugar cane is grown to make sugar. At Christmas, candy canes are a treat. Phrases: walking cane, white cane, sugar cane, candy cane.

Examples

• Grandpa walks with a cane. tree →
• A white cane helps a blind person find their way. tree →
• Sugar is made from sugar cane. tree →
• We hung candy canes on the tree. tree →
• The tomato plants are tied to bamboo canes. tree →
• Long ago, pupils were punished with a cane, but this is not allowed now. tree →
• Please give way to the man with the cane. tree →
• Then he took his cane in his hand, and started for home. tree →

Note

Countable: a cane, canes. Do not confuse with Cain (a name) or can. In the UK a walking cane is often called a walking stick. Be kind: never move or touch someone's white cane without asking.

In Jewish tradition

In Jeremiah and Isaiah, "sweet cane" is a fragrant plant used as spice in the incense and anointing oil.

Interpretation. The prophets say God does not want costly spices when the heart is far from Him. Tradition reads this as a call to justice before ritual.

Examples

• To what purpose is to Me the frankincense that cometh from Sheba, and the sweet cane, from a far country? (Prophets JER.6.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast bought Me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou satisfied Me with the fat of thy sacrifices; but thou hast burdened Me with thy sins, thou hast wearied Me with thine iniquities. (Prophets ISA.43.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a cane, canes. Do not confuse with Cain (a name) or can. In the UK a walking cane is often called a walking stick. Be kind: never move or touch someone's white cane without asking.