First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
thresh
verb \ˈthresh, ˈthrash\
: to separate the seeds of corn, wheat, etc., from the plant by using a special machine or tool
Full Definition of THRESH
transitive verb
1
: to separate seed from (a harvested plant) mechanically; also : to separate (seed) in this way
2
: thrash 4
3
: to strike repeatedly
intransitive verb
1
: to thresh grain
See thresh defined for English-language learners
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Origin of THRESH
Middle English thresshen, from Old English threscan; akin to Old High German dreskan to thresh
Related to THRESH
THRESH Defined for Kids
thresh
verb \ˈthrash, ˈthresh\
threshedthresh·ing
Definition of THRESH for Kids
1
: to separate the seed from a harvested plant by beating <threshing wheat>
2
: thrash 2
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