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quern

noun
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\ ˈkwərn How to pronounce quern (audio) \

Definition of quern

: a primitive hand mill for grinding grain

First Known Use of quern

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for quern

Middle English, from Old English cweorn; akin to Old High German quirn hand mill, Old Church Slavonic žrŭny

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The first known use of quern was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Quern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quern. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.

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Britannica English: Translation of quern for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quern

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