CHAFF


Meaning of CHAFF in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' chaf

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English chaf, from Old English ceaf; akin to Old High German cheva husk

Date: before 12th century

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-f ē \ adjective

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.