corn silk

American  

noun

1. the long, threadlike, silky styles on an ear of corn.

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corn silk British  

noun

1. the silky tuft of styles and stigmas at the tip of an ear of maize, formerly used as a diuretic

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Etymology

Origin of corn silk

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

It’s the color of her hair — soft and fine as corn silk.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2022

McCarthy’s stylists get high marks for accuracy on cut and color—a sort of corn silk, “green yellow” in the Crayola lexicon.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 7, 2017

Sherman has simmered corn silk with purple bergamot blossoms to make tea, and has braised rabbit with spruce tips.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 22, 2016

A dollop of yogurt tempers the heat; a garnish of chickweed, its flavor akin to corn silk, adds summery freshness.

From Washington Post • May 26, 2015

Elowyn’s younger sister Caelia spins nearby, with corn silk hair like her father’s and a crown of flowers in it.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black