# bran

/ˈbɹæn/ (US) · /bɹˈæn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bran
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically treated as uncountable when referring to the food substance; occasionally countable when referring to specific types or commercial varieties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.