n.
       - wheat or other cultivated cereal used as food. ▸a single seed or fruit of a cereal. 
- a small, hard particle of a substance such as sand. ▸a discrete particle or crystal in a metal, igneous rock, etc. 
- 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 grain of truth in what he said. 
- the longitudinal arrangement of fibres in wood, paper, etc. ▸the texture of wood, stone, etc. 
- the rough or wrinkled outer surface of leather.
- a grainy appearance of a photograph or negative.
- historical kermes or cochineal, or dye made from either of these.
v.
    - give a rough surface or texture to.
- form into grains.
- 
[usu. as noun graining]
 paint in imitation of the grain of wood or marble.
- remove hair from (a hide).
Phrase
  
    
      - against the grain
 contrary to one's nature or instinct.
 
  Derivative
  
    - -grained adj.
- grainer n.
- grainless adj.
 
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. grain, from L. granum; sense 3 arose because the weight was orig. equivalent to that of a grain of wheat.