Wheat

Definition

Wheat is a cereal grain that is a worldwide staple food. It is used to make flour for bread, pasta, pastry, and many other food products.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːt/
• Respelling: weet

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wiːt/
• Respelling: weet

In both American and British English, "wheat" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound as in "see," followed by a "t" sound. The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English.

Etymology

"Wheat" is derived from the Old English "hwǣte", which has Germanic origins and is related to the Dutch "weit" and the German "Weizen" meaning "wheat".

Derivatives

• Wheatberry
• Wheatfield
• Wheat germ
• Wheatgrass
• Whole-wheat

Synonyms

• Grain
• Cereal
• Staple

Antonyms

• None
• None
• None

Usage

Wheat is one of the major staple crops cultivated globally and is a primary source of nutrition for a large portion of the world's population. Various varieties of wheat cater to diverse climatic conditions and culinary preferences.

Related Terms

• Gluten
• Flour
• Barley
• Rye
• Crop

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A cereal plant that is the most important kind grown in temperate countries, the grain of which is ground to make flour for bread, pasta, pastry, etc.‍
• Example: The golden fields of wheat swayed in the breeze.

• The grain of the wheat plant, used in various food products.‍
• Example: The price of wheat has increased due to adverse weather conditions affecting the harvest.