corn etymology

Etymology of "Corn"

The word "corn" has a complex etymology that has evolved over time.

• Proto-Indo-European: ḱer-/ḱr- meaning "to grow" or "horn"
• Latin: cōrnū meaning "horn", "antler", or "abundance"
• Old English: corn meaning "grain" or "seed"
• Middle English: corn meaning "grain of any kind"

Meaning and Origin

• Meaning:

  • In British English, "corn" typically refers to wheat, while maize is used for the plant known as "corn" in American English.
  • In American English, "corn" is the most common term for the plant known as maize, a cereal grain native to the Americas.

• Origin:

  • The term "corn" was originally used to refer to grains in general.
  • In the 16th century, European settlers in the Americas began using "corn" to specifically refer to maize, which was a staple food of Native American tribes.
  • Over time, the use of "corn" for maize became widespread in American English, while in British English it retained its broader meaning of "grain".

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