straw

Middle English

/strau̯/, /strɑː/

noun
Definitions
  • The remaining plant material after cultivation; halm, straw.
  • An individual piece or section of straw.
  • (figurative) Anything slight or worthless; the least possible thing.
  • (rare) A measure of weight for candlewax.

Etymology

Inherited from Old English strēaw derived from Proto-Germanic *strawą (that which is strewn).

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*strawą

Gloss

that which is strewn

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms