awn

noun \ˈȯn\

Definition of AWN

: one of the slender bristles that terminate the glumes of the spikelet in some cereal and other grasses

— awned \ˈȯnd\ adjective

— awn·less \ˈȯn-ləs\ adjective

Middle English, from Old English agen, from Old Norse ǫgn; akin to Old High German agana awn, Old English ecg edge — more at edge

First Known Use: 12th century

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