Cornfield

/ˈkɔrnˌfild/ noun

Definition

A field where corn (maize) is cultivated and grown.

Etymology

Compound word from Old English 'corn' (originally meaning any grain, from Proto-Germanic 'kurnam') and 'field' (from Old English 'feld,' meaning open land). In American English, 'corn' specifically refers to maize, while in British English it can mean any cereal grain.

Kelly Says

The word 'cornfield' represents a fascinating linguistic split between American and British English - an American cornfield grows maize, while a British cornfield might contain wheat, barley, or other grains. This reflects how the meaning of 'corn' shifted when European settlers encountered maize in the New World.

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