corn silk

noun

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

corn silk

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of corn silk¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

During a video interview last month from his home in Los Angeles, he gulped from a large glass of corn silk tea, intended to ease some prostate issues that he said might be stress-related.

From New York Times

The ground was littered with rotten fruit and corn silk, their fermented scent lacing the more pleasant aromas of sizzling sausages and beer.

From Literature

Remove any corn silk, lightly brush corn with oil, then grill, turning occasionally until the kernels are golden brown.

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

His hair had turned as white as corn silk.

From Literature