even-grained
|e-ven-grained|
/ˌiːvənˈɡreɪnd/
uniform grain
Etymology
'even-grained' is a compound of the adjective 'even' and the noun 'grain'. 'even' ultimately comes from Old English 'efen' meaning 'level, equal', while 'grain' comes via Old French 'graine' from Latin 'granum' meaning 'seed, grain'.
'even' developed from Old English 'efen' into Middle English 'even'; 'grain' passed from Latin 'granum' into Old French 'graine' and then Middle English 'graine'. These elements were combined in modern English to form the compound adjective 'even-grained'.
Originally 'even' and 'grain' referred separately to 'level/equal' and 'seed/particle'; over time the compound came to be used descriptively for materials, meaning 'having grains or particles of uniform size', which is its current main sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having grains or particles that are uniform in size or texture; exhibiting a consistent, even grain (often used of rock, wood, metal, or other materials).
The even-grained sandstone was preferred by sculptors for its uniform texture.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/29 07:49