Rice

Definition

Rice is a noun that refers to a cereal grain from the grass species *Oryza sativa* or *Oryza glaberrima*, which is a staple food for a large part of the world’s population. It can also mean the cooked seeds of this plant used as food.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /raɪs/
• Respelling: RYS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /raɪs/
• Respelling: RYS

Etymology

The word "rice" comes from the Old French "ris," which traces back to the Latin "oryza" and the Greek "oryza," ultimately derived from Sanskrit "vrihi," referring to the grain. The term entered English in the 13th century.

Derivatives

• Ricey (adjective)
• Rice field (noun)
• Rice cooker (noun)
• Rice paper (noun)
• Rice flour (noun)

Synonyms

• Grain
• Cereal
• Paddy (uncooked form)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "rice" is widely used in agricultural, culinary, and cultural contexts. Examples include "Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries" and "The chef served steamed rice with curry."

Related Terms

• Grain: The seeds of grass crops used as food.
• Paddy: The field or raw form of rice.
• Cereal: Edible seeds of grasses used as staple crops.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A cereal grain grown for food: Refers to the seeds of the plant *Oryza sativa* or *Oryza glaberrima*.
  • Example: "Rice is cultivated extensively in Asia."
• The cooked form of rice used as food: Refers to prepared grains used in meals.
  • Example: "She served fried rice for dinner."
• The plant that produces the grain: Refers to the grass species grown in fields or paddies.
  • Example: "Rice fields require large amounts of water."