■ noun
1》 wheat or other cultivated cereal used as food.
↘a single seed or fruit of a cereal.
2》 a small, hard particle of a substance such as sand.
↘a discrete particle or crystal in a metal, igneous rock, etc.
3》 the smallest unit of weight in the troy and avoirdupois systems, equal to 1/5760 of a pound troy and 1/7000 of a pound avoirdupois (approximately 0.0648 grams).
↘the smallest possible amount: there wasn't a ~ of truth in what he said.
4》 the longitudinal arrangement of fibres in wood, paper, etc.
↘the texture of wood, stone, etc.
5》 the rough or wrinkled outer surface of leather.
6》 a ~y appearance of a photograph or negative.
7》 historical kermes or cochineal, or dye made from either of these.
■ verb
1》 give a rough surface or texture to.
2》 form into ~s.
3》 [usu. as noun ~ing ] paint in imitation of the ~ of wood or marble.
4》 remove hair from (a hide).
Phrases
against the ~ contrary to one's nature or instinct.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~er noun
~less adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ , from L. granum ; sense 3 arose because the weight was orig. equivalent to that of a ~ of wheat.