chaff

3 entries found for chaff.
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chaff[1,noun] chaff[2,noun] chaff[3,verb]

Main Entry: ¹chaff
Pronunciation: 'chaf
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chaf, from Old English ceaf; akin to Old High German cheva husk
1 : the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
2 : something comparatively worthless
3 : the scales borne on the receptacle among the florets in the heads of many composite plants
4 : material (as strips of foil or clusters of fine wires) ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves (as for confusing an enemy's radar detection)
- chaffy /'cha-fE/ adjective