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corn

n. · v.
US //ˈkɔɹn// UK //kˈɔːn// corn
  1. 1 maize / yellow vegetable (n.)
    A1 Beginner American English

    a tall plant that produces large yellow grains on a cob, often eaten as a vegetable.

    the grain or the plant of Zea mays, a major cereal crop; in North American usage, it refers specifically to maize.

    Example

    We grilled several ears of corn at the barbecue last night.

    Example

    The vast fields of corn stretched toward the horizon, providing the primary source of income for the local farming community.

    Usage

    Uncountable when referring to the crop or food in general; countable when referring to the individual ears.
  2. 2 local staple grain (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    the main grain crop grown in a specific country, such as wheat in England or oats in Scotland.

    the primary cereal crop of a region; historically used in British English to refer to wheat or other local grains.

    Example

    In the old days, the price of corn determined the cost of bread.

    Example

    The repeal of the Corn Laws in the nineteenth century was a pivotal moment in British economic history.

    Teacher's tip

    Note that 'corn' means different things depending on the country; in the UK it is a general term for grain, while in the US it is specifically maize.
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  1. 3 sentimental / cheesy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Humorous

    something like a joke, movie, or song that is too sentimental or old-fashioned.

    material that is trite, sentimental, or old-fashioned in a way that is perceived as uncool or embarrassing.

    Example

    The movie was full of corn, but I still enjoyed the happy ending.

    Example

    Critics dismissed the script as pure corn, citing its reliance on tired romantic tropes and predictable dialogue.
  2. 4 foot callus (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a small, painful area of hard skin on your toe or foot.

    a local thickening of the skin, usually on or between the toes, caused by pressure or friction.

    Example

    He had to buy new shoes because his old ones were causing a corn on his toe.

    Example

    The podiatrist recommended specialized pads to relieve the pressure on the painful corn.
    • callus
  3. 5 internet slang for porn (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Computing

    a word used on social media to talk about adult content without being blocked.

    an algorithmic euphemism used on social media platforms to bypass content filters when referring to pornography.

    Example

    Users often use the word corn on video apps to avoid getting their accounts banned.

    Example

    The rise of 'algospeak' has led to the adoption of terms like corn to discuss restricted topics on highly moderated platforms.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very modern internet-specific term; learners should be aware of it but avoid using it in any professional or academic context.

  4. 6 to preserve with salt (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    to preserve meat by using large grains of salt.

    to preserve food, especially beef, by curing it in brine or with coarse salt crystals.

    Example

    My grandmother used to corn her own beef for the holidays.

    Example

    The traditional method to corn the brisket involves a lengthy soaking period in a heavily seasoned brine.
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Idioms4 entries

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