5 letter words ending in ERN

Definition of Stern

Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective

Definition: (n.) the rear part of a ship, boat, or aircraft; (adj.) serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline.

Pronunciations: (US) /stɜrn/; (UK) /stɜːn/

Origin and Usage: The word stern originated from the Old Norse word "stjorn" which meant "the steering gear of a ship." It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the rear part of a ship. The adjective form of stern has been used since the 16th century to describe a person or their behavior as serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline.

Synonyms: (adj.) strict, severe, harsh, austere, unyielding, inflexible

Related Words: (n.) steer, stare, strew, stony, stoop

Example Sentences:

• The captain stood at the stern of the ship, watching the waves.
• The stern teacher gave the students a difficult assignment.
• He had a stern expression on his face as he reprimanded the employees.

Quern

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A quern is a simple hand mill for grinding corn, typically consisting of two circular stones, one of which is rotated by a handle.

Pronunciations: US: /kwərn/, UK: /kwəːn/

Origin and Usage: The word "quern" comes from Old English cweorn, which means "mill." Querns have been used since ancient times to grind grains into flour. They were widely used in Europe and Asia until the advent of industrial mills in the 19th century. Today, querns are mostly used for educational and historical purposes.

Synonyms: Hand mill, grinding mill, rotary quern

Related Words: Grind, stone, wheat, flour, corn

Example Sentences:

• She ground the wheat into flour using a quern.
• He demonstrated how to use a quern to the students.
• The museum has a collection of ancient querns on display.