grain

US /ɡreɪn/
UK /ɡreɪn/
"grain" picture
1.

a small, hard seed, especially that of a cereal plant such as wheat, corn, rye, oats, or rice

:
The farmer harvested a field of golden grain.
Birds often feed on scattered grains.
2.

a tiny, hard particle of a substance

:
A single grain of sand can feel rough.
There wasn't a grain of truth in his story.
3.

the pattern of fibers in wood or stone

:
The carpenter admired the beautiful grain of the oak wood.
She chose a marble slab with a distinct grain for her countertop.
1.

to form into grains or small particles

:
The sugar began to grain as it cooled.
The process helps to grain the metal for better strength.