husk

American  

[huhsk] / hʌsk /

noun

1. the dry external covering of certain fruits or seeds, especially of an ear of corn.

2. the enveloping or outer part of anything, especially when dry or worthless.

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verb (used with object)

1. to remove the husk from.

husk ¹ British  

/ hʌsk /

noun

1. the external green or membranous covering of certain fruits and seeds

2. any worthless outer covering

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verb

1. (tr) to remove the husk from

husk ² British  

noun

1. bronchitis in cattle, sheep, and goats, usually caused by lungworm infestation

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Other Word Forms

• husker noun
• husklike adjective
• unhusked adjective

Etymology

Origin of husk

1350–1400; Middle English huske, equivalent to hus- (akin to Old English hosu pod, husk) + -ke, weak variant of -ock

Example Sentences

“And look now at the wretched husk of that woman today!” he roared.

From Literature

The bear was an empty husk, for the Spirit had banished the demon to the Otherworld.

From Literature

Baker’s Indigenous and German heritage inform her three large abstract collage hangings, created using synthetic turf animated by acrylic paint, yarn and a variety of natural materials, including corn husk, willow, buffalo hide and buckskin.

From Los Angeles Times

Most new entrants to the world’s most prestigious racing series buy in by taking over the husk of an existing team, factory and all.

From The Wall Street Journal

If you can’t, leave before you are reduced to a soulless husk of the eager, happy person who walked into that chamber a decade ago.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• chaff
• pod
• rind