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glean
[ gleen ]
/ glin /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to gather slowly and laboriously, bit by bit.
to gather small amounts of (grain or the like) left behind after a harvest, nowadays often for charitable use.
to clear (a field, orchard, etc.) of leftover produce in this way: Milletâs painting The Gleaners depicts three peasant women stooping low as they glean a field of wheat.
to learn, discover, or find out, usually little by little or slowly.
verb (used without object)
to collect or gather anything little by little or slowly.
to gather what is left by reapers.
QUIZ
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Origin of glean
First recorded in 1350â1400; Middle English glenen, from Old French glener, from Late Latin glennÄre, ultimately from Celtic
OTHER WORDS FROM glean
glean·a·ble, adjectiveglean·er, nounWords nearby glean
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use glean in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for glean
glean
/ (ÉĄliËn) /
verb
to gather (something) slowly and carefully in small piecesto glean information from the newspapers
to gather (the useful remnants of a crop) from the field after harvesting
Derived forms of glean
gleanable, adjectivegleaner, nounWord Origin for glean
C14: from Old French glener, from Late Latin glennÄre, probably of Celtic origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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