Pronunciation: [kˈɔːnhʌsks] (IPA) 
The word "cornhusks" refers to the dry outer covering of an ear of corn. It is spelled with two 's' at the end, which are pronounced separately. The first 's' is voiced and pronounced as /z/ as in the word 'buzz', while the second 's' is unvoiced and pronounced as /s/ as in the word 'sister'. The stress in the word falls on the first syllable, which is pronounced as /kɔːn/. The phonetic transcription of the word is /kɔːnhʌsks/.
Cornhusks are the leafy outer covering or sheath of the ear or cob of maize, also known as corn. They are dry, fibrous, and typically yellowish in color. Cornhusks are an integral part of the husk or husk leaf, which encloses, protects, and provides support to the individual kernels of corn.
In many cultures, cornhusks are used for various purposes. In culinary applications, cornhusks serve as a natural wrapper for traditional dishes such as tamales. Tamales are a traditional Latin American corn-based dish that typically consists of dough wrapped in a cornhusk and filled with various savory or sweet ingredients. The cornhusk acts as a vessel and imparts a subtle corn flavor to the dish during cooking.
Cornhusks also find usage in crafts and traditional practices. They can be dried, cleaned, and woven together to create decorative items such as baskets, masks, dolls, or mats. In some indigenous cultures, cornhusks may be employed for rituals, religious ceremonies, or symbolic representations.
Moreover, cornhusks are biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. They can be composted and returned to the soil, enriching it with organic matter.
Overall, cornhusks are a versatile natural material with numerous practical and cultural applications, ranging from culinary to artistic endeavors, and hold significant significance in various traditions and customs around the world.
The etymology of the word "cornhusks" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English. The word "corn" in Old English referred to any cereal crop, while "husk" comes from the Old English word "hysc". Together, "cornhusks" refers to the outer covering or sheath of the ear of corn. Over time, the usage of "corn" became more specific to maize or Indian corn, a type of cereal crop, and "husks" came to be associated with its outer protective layers.
