I. ˈbrau̇niŋ, -nēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of brown (III)
1. : brown coat
2. : caramelized sugar or browned flour used for coloring and flavoring
3. : any of several abnormalities of plants marked by brownish discoloration of the affected parts: as
a. : a disease of flax caused by a fungus ( Polyspora lini ) and characterized by brownish lesions on and breaking of the stem — called also stem break
b. : a boron deficiency disease of cauliflower involving brownish patches in the head
c. : discoloration of cut or injured tissue often resulting from disturbances of respiratory mechanisms (as in cut apples or potatoes) and constituting a serious problem in processing certain fruits and vegetables
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: after John M. Browning died 1926 American designer of firearms
: any of several automatic firearms