# grains

/ˈɡɹeɪnz/ (US) · /ɡɹˈeɪnz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grains
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cereal crops

noun · CEFR A2

the small, hard seeds of plants like wheat, corn, or rice that people eat.

For teachers: the harvested seeds of cereal grasses, such as wheat, maize, or rye, considered collectively as a food source.

- Whole grains like brown rice are very healthy for your heart.
- The global market for cereal grains fluctuated significantly following the report of a poor harvest in the northern hemisphere.

### 2. small particles

noun · CEFR B1

very small, hard pieces of a substance like sand, salt, or sugar.

For teachers: minute, discrete particles of a substance, typically referring to sand, salt, or mineral deposits.

- I felt a few grains of sand in my shoes after walking on the beach.
- The geologist examined the individual grains of quartz under a microscope to determine the rock's origin.

### 3. wood or stone texture

noun · CEFR B2

the natural patterns or lines you see in wood or stone.

For teachers: the longitudinal arrangement or pattern of fibres in wood, or the texture of particles in stone or metal.

- The carpenter followed the grains of the wood to make a smooth table.
- The sculptor carefully selected a block of marble where the natural grains would complement the curves of the figure.

### 4. to create a texture

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to give something a rough surface or a wood-like pattern.

For teachers: to paint or treat a surface so that it mimics the texture of wood or stone; the third-person singular form.

- The artist grains the metal to make it look like expensive oak.
- In traditional decorative arts, a specialist grains the plaster walls to create the illusion of exotic hardwood panelling.

Usage: The third-person singular form of the verb 'to grain'.

## Examples

- Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet.
- The farmer harvested several tons of various grains, including barley and oats, before the heavy rains began.
- The geologist examined the individual grains of quartz under a microscope to determine the sedimentary history of the rock formation.

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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.