awn

Definition

The bristle or beard of barley, oats, grasses, etc., or any similar bristlelike appendage; arista.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English aw(u)ne, agune, from Old Norse ǫgn (compare Danish avne), from Proto-Germanic *aganō, *ahanō (“chaff”) (compare Old English agnu, Dutch agen, German Ahne, Agen), from Proto-Indo-European *aḱanā (compare Latin agna (“ear of wheat”), Lithuanian ašni̇̀s (“edge, blade”), Czech osina, Ancient Greek ἄκαινα (ákaina, “spike, prick”), ἄκανος (ákanos, “pine-thistle”), Sanskrit अशनि (aśáni, “thunderbolt, arrow tip”)), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- (“sharp”). More at edge.

Example Sentences

• "In one exotic genus, Aristida, the awn is compound, having three forks or branches; another exotic genus, Pappophorum, is remarkable in having the flowering glume armed with a dozen or more awns."