Main Entry: ¹chaff

Pronunciation: \ˈchaf\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English chaf, from Old English ceaf; akin to Old High German cheva husk

Date: before 12th century

1 : the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
2 : something comparatively worthless
3 : the scales borne on the receptacle among the florets in the heads of many composite plants
4 : material (as strips of foil or clusters of fine wires) ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves (as for confusing an enemy's radar detection)

— chaffy \ˈcha-fē\ adjective