husk

UK: hʌsk | US: hʌsk

Definition

  1. n. the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds

  2. vt. to remove the husk from something

Structure
hus <house>hus <house>
Etymology

The word husk originates from the idea of a "little house" (hus) for seeds or fruits, reflecting its protective function. Over time, it narrowed to specifically mean the dry, discarded outer layer. The -k suffix may have reinforced the notion of a small or residual covering, common in Germanic word formation.

Examples

  1. Farmers remove the husk from corn before selling it.

  2. The coconut husk is often used for making ropes.

  3. She peeled the husk off the barley grains.

  4. A rice husk can be recycled as fuel.

  5. The walnut’s husk turns brown when ripe.