glume

noun

ˈglüm

: a chaffy bract

specifically : either of two empty bracts at the base of the spikelet in grasses

Word History

Etymology

New Latin gluma, from Latin, hull, husk; akin to Latin glubere to peel — more at cleave

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of glume was in 1789

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Glume.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glume. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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