English Explanatory Dictionary

kaffir corn

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The cultivated species of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor, used as a food for people and animals and in ethanol production.

Word forms

kaffir corn kaffir kafir corn kafir

Etymology

This name for sorghum is probably connected with both the distinction of Muslim versus non-Muslim and the distinction of sub-Saharan Black race versus other race; the history of usage of the word kaffir includes derogation, depending on time and place. For more information, see kaffir cabbage and see the Wikipedia article on kaffir as a racial term.

Related words

kaffir beer kaffir bread kaffir cabbage kaffir lime Indian corn
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