husk

[ huhsk ]

noun

1. the dry external covering of certain fruits or seeds, especially of an ear of corn.
2. the enveloping or outer part of anything, especially when dry or worthless.

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the husk from.

husk

¹

noun

1. bronchitis in cattle, sheep, and goats, usually caused by lungworm infestation

husk

²

/ hʌsk /

noun

1. the external green or membranous covering of certain fruits and seeds
2. any worthless outer covering

verb

1. tr to remove the husk from

Derived Forms

• ˈhuskˌlike, adjective
• ˈhusker, noun

Other Words From

• husker noun
• husklike adjective
• un·husked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of husk¹

1350–1400; Middle English huske, equivalent to hus- (akin to Old English hosu pod, husk) + -ke, weak variant of -ock

Word History and Origins

Origin of husk¹

C14: probably based on Middle Dutch huusken little house, from hūs house; related to Old English hosu husk, hūs house

Example Sentences

In the wake of the audio leak scandal, the incumbent wrapped himself in latinidad like a tamale snug inside a corn husk — and he still lost.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the last year, the graffiti-pocked husk of the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza skyscrapers have haunted Los Angeles’ skyline, a beacon of disrepair and, for some, artistic expression.

From Los Angeles Times

"They didn't know that it had a husk."

From Salon

Occasionally, the mansion shows signs of life, albeit not the kind the neighbors would like to see, as strangers camp out in the husk of the nearly 9,000 square foot structure.

From Los Angeles Times

However, there have been no visitors to Casement in more than a decade and, for years, any passing motorists able to crane their neck into the ground would only see a derelict husk.

From BBC

Related Words

• chaff
• pod
• rind