grainy

[grey-nee]

adjective

grainier, grainiest 

1. resembling grain; granular.

2. full of grains grain or grain.

3. having a natural or simulated grain, as wood, wallpaper, etc.

4. Photography.,  (of a negative or positive) having a granular appearance.

grainy

/ ˈɡreɪnɪ /

adjective

1. resembling, full of, or composed of grain; granular

2. resembling the grain of wood, leather, etc

3. photog having poor definition because of large grain size

Other Word Forms

• graininess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grainy¹

First recorded in 1605–15; grain + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Announcements of these strikes are usually accompanied with grainy footage but no evidence of the alleged drug trafficking and few details about who or what was on board each vessel.

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A few generations ago, the ultrasound would show a grainy blob.

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Ricotta has that beautiful, milky richness to it with that grainy texture, which is very reminiscent of Rasmalai.

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It’s funny how just the grainy, washed-out look of videotape can conjure so much melancholy.

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Straight from my grandmother’s recipe card: melted butter, grainy Dijon, a dollop of mayo, a splash of Worcestershire, garlic and onion powders, a little brown sugar, and a shower of poppy seeds.

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Related Words

• gritty 
• homespun