Meaning & Definition of word "Husk"

Husk

/hʌsk/

noun:

  • 1. The dry outer covering of certain fruits or seeds.
    • Example: After peeling the corn, I placed the husks in the compost.
  • 2. A structure formed by the outer covering, often used in reference to plants.
    • Example: The coffee husk is often discarded after the beans are processed.
  • 3. Something that is empty or devoid of substance.
    • Example: He felt like a husk of his former self after the stressful year.

verb:

  • 1. To remove the husk from a fruit or seed.
    • Example: We need to husk the corn before we can cook it.
  • 2. To strip away the outer layer or cover.
    • Example: The workers husked the rice to prepare it for milling.

Etymology

Middle English 'huske', from Old Norse 'húsk', akin to the Dutch 'husk' and German 'Hülse'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

husk of a man:

Someone who has lost their vitality.

Related Words

shell:

An outer protective layer or casing.

peel:

The outer covering that is removed from fruits or vegetables.

Slang Meanings of husk

Meaning: A person who is empty or lacks substance.

Example Sentence: He's just a husk, offering no real insights.

Meaning: To be emotionally drained or exhausted.

Example Sentence: After that meeting, I felt like a husk.