bran
UK: bræn | US: bræn
n. the outer husk of grain, separated from the flour or meal after milling, often used as animal feed or for dietary fiber.
The word "bran" originates from Old French bren or bran, meaning "husk of grain," likely derived from Gaulish or another Celtic source. It entered Middle English in the 14th century with the same meaning. The term has retained its core definition, referring to the coarse, fibrous byproduct of milling grains like wheat or oats. Unlike many English words with Latin or Greek roots, "bran" reflects the agricultural vocabulary of early European cultures.
Whole wheat bread contains more bran than white bread.
Farmers often use bran as feed for livestock.
Adding bran to your diet can improve digestion.
The mill separates the flour from the bran during processing.
Oat bran is a popular ingredient in healthy breakfast cereals.