Cornrows

/ˈkɔrnroʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cornrow; multiple instances of the braided hairstyle with rows of braids extending across the scalp.

Etymology

From 'cornrow' with the plural suffix '-s.' While cornrow braiding traditions exist across African cultures with different historical names, the English term 'cornrows' became standardized in the latter 20th century.

Kelly Says

The cornrow hairstyle can take 4-8 hours to complete and last for weeks, making it an incredibly efficient protective style for textured hair—yet the practice was sometimes banned in schools and workplaces as 'unprofessional,' representing how aesthetic standards enforce cultural hierarchies!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.