corn silk

American  

noun

1. the long, threadlike, silky styles on an ear of corn.

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corn silk British  

noun

1. the silky tuft of styles and stigmas at the tip of an ear of maize, formerly used as a diuretic

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Etymology

Origin of corn silk

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Hours were marked by peals of screams following every uncovered worm wriggling in the corn silks, and each of us proudly showing off our inky fingertips from pressing out purple hull peas from their pods.

From Salon

During a video interview last month from his home in Los Angeles, he gulped from a large glass of corn silk tea, intended to ease some prostate issues that he said might be stress-related.

From New York Times

Remove any corn silk, lightly brush corn with oil, then grill, turning occasionally until the kernels are golden brown.

From Seattle Times

It’s the color of her hair — soft and fine as corn silk.

From Los Angeles Times

His hair had turned as white as corn silk.

From Literature