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zea

noun
\ˈzēə\

Definition of zea 

1 capitalized : a genus of large grasses having broad ribbon-shaped leaves and monoecious flowers of which the staminate forms an ample terminal panicle and the pistillate is in a sessile axillary spike enveloped by numerous bracts — see indian corn

2 plural -s : the fresh styles and stigmas of Indian corn formerly used as a diuretic

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History and Etymology for zea

New Latin, from Greek zea, zeia single-grained wheat; akin to Sanskrit yava barley

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