plural grains
1
a
: the seeds of plants (such as wheat, corn, and rice) that are used for food
bread made from whole wheat grain
The machine grinds grain into flour.
also
: a single seed of wheat, corn, rice, etc.
a grain of rice
b
: a plant that produces grain
The farm grows a variety of grains.
fields planted with grain
2
a
: a small, hard piece of something
a grain of sand/salt
b
: a very small amount of something
Anyone with a grain of sense knows that she's lying.
There is not a grain of truth in what he said.
3
a
: the way the lines or fibers in something (such as wood) are arranged
—usually singular
She sanded the wood in the direction of the grain.
b
: the way that the surface of something feels when it is touched
—usually singular
The wood has a fine/coarse grain.
4
: a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 grams
Cite this Entry
“Grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/grain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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