What does CHAFF mean?

Chaff

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing.

Pronunciation (US): /tʃæf/

Pronunciation (UK): /tʃɑːf/

Origin and Usage: The word "chaff" dates back to the Old English period and comes from the Proto-Germanic word "kaf-" meaning "chaff." It was originally used to refer to the husks of grain that were separated from the edible part. The word is still used in this sense today, but it also has a figurative meaning, referring to worthless or trivial things.

Synonyms: Husks, straw, refuse, garbage, debris.

Related Words: Grain, wheat, maize, flake, bran.

Example Sentences:

• He separated the wheat from the chaff.
• The farmer used a winnowing machine to separate the chaff from the grain.
• He was tired of listening to his friends chaff and wanted to have a serious conversation.
• The book was full of chaff and lacked any real substance.