Main Entry: ¹straw

Pronunciation: \ˈstrȯ\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English strēaw; akin to Old High German strō straw, Old English strewian to strew

Date: before 12th century

1 a : stalks of grain after threshing; broadly : dry stalky plant residue used like grain straw (as for bedding or packing) b : a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding
2 : a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass
3 a (1) : something of small worth or significance (2) : something too insubstantial to provide support or help in a desperate situation <clutching at straws> b : chaff 2
4 a : something (as a hat) made of straw b : a tube (as of paper, plastic, or glass) for sucking up a beverage

— strawy \ˈstrȯ-ē\ adjective

— straw in the wind : a slight fact that is an indication of a coming event