spelt

²spelt

\ˈspelt\

Definition of SPELT

chiefly British past and past participle of spell

¹spelt

noun \ˈspelt\

Definition of SPELT

: an ancient wheat (Triticum spelta syn. T. aestivum spelta) with spikelets containing two light red grains; also : the grain of spelt

Origin of SPELT

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin spelta, of Germanic origin; perhaps akin to Middle High German spelte split piece of wood, Old High German spaltan to split — more at split

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with SPELT

belt, celt, Celt, delt, felt, gelt, melt, pelt, smelt, svelte, veld, welt

spelt

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Subspecies (Triticum aestivum spelta) of wheat that has lax spikes and spikelets containing two light red kernels. A related species, Triticum dicoccon, commonly known as emmer wheat or farro, was cultivated by the ancient Babylonians and the ancient Swiss lake dwellers; it is now grown for livestock forage and used in baked goods and cereals.