Word
bran
US/ˈbɹæn/
UK/bɹˈæn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the hard outer layer of a grain, like wheat or oats. It is often removed when making white flour but is kept in brown bread because it is healthy.
n. the hard outer layers of cereal grain, consisting of the combined pericarp and aleurone. It is separated from the flour during the milling process and is valued for its high dietary fibre content.
Examples
“I usually add a spoonful of bran to my morning cereal.”
“Bakers often include wheat bran in their dough to increase the nutritional value and improve the texture of the bread.”
“While the refining process removes the bran and germ to create a smoother flour, it simultaneously strips away the essential minerals and fibre found in the whole grain.”
Examples
simple
“I usually add a spoonful of bran to my morning cereal.”
contextual
“Bakers often include wheat bran in their dough to increase the nutritional value and improve the texture of the bread.”
complex
“While the refining process removes the bran and germ to create a smoother flour, it simultaneously strips away the essential minerals and fibre found in the whole grain.”
Usage
Typically treated as uncountable when referring to the food substance; occasionally countable when referring to specific types or commercial varieties.
Related words
Idioms
01. bolt to the bran
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/bran