chaff

¹chaff

noun \ˈchaf\

Definition of CHAFF

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

Origin of CHAFF

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

Rhymes with CHAFF

caff, calf, daff, gaff, gaffe, graph, half, laugh, quaff, raff, sclaff, staff, staph, Waf, waff

²chaff

noun

Definition of CHAFF

: light jesting talk : banter

Origin of CHAFF

probably from ¹chaff

First Known Use: 1821

³chaff

verb

Definition of CHAFF

transitive verb

: to tease good-naturedly

intransitive verb

: jest, banter

Examples of CHAFF

1. <chaffed her about the brightly colored shirt she had received as a gift>
2. <a coworker who likes to chaff at others' expense, and this often results in hurt feelings>

First Known Use of CHAFF

1827

Related to CHAFF

Synonyms

tease, jive, joke, josh, kid, rally, razz, rib, ride, roast

Related Words

banter; fool, fun, string along; jest, quip, wisecrack; gag, jape, jolly, yuk (or yuck) [slang]