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

/ 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

husk

²

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈhuskˌlike, adjective
• ˈhusker, noun

Other Word Forms

• 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

The company opened its production facility in March, where staff process not cacao beans but carob husks.

From BBC

Storefronts were either shuttered, defaced, or both, with the husks of burnt cars lining the side of the road.

From Los Angeles Times

Their view is of the fire debris next door: The husks of a washing machine and dryer.

From Los Angeles Times

For weeks, the bench has stood in open view amid the chimneys, water heaters and husks of cars, the remnants of this nightmare.

From Los Angeles Times

That afternoon, when he took in the smoking husk of Pasadena Unified’s landmark middle school, it was all too much to bear.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chaff
• pod
• rind