The correct spelling of "unhusked" is /ʌnˈhʌskt/. In this word, the letter "h" is pronounced as a glottal stop, which is represented by the apostrophe ('). The "u" and "n" are pronounced as in the word "bun". The "s" is pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound, and the "k" is pronounced as a voiceless "k" sound. The word means that something (usually a grain) still has its outer covering or shell intact, which needs to be removed before consumption or use.
Unhusked is an adjective that refers to something, typically grains or seeds, that has not been removed or separated from its outer covering or husk. The term can also be applied to other objects, such as fruits or nuts, to denote that they have not been stripped of their protective outer layer or shell.
When used in the context of agriculture or farming, unhusked usually pertains to cereal crops like rice, barley, or wheat, before the process of dehusking or threshing has taken place. Unhusked grains contain the seed or edible portion encased in a tough, inedible husk which must be removed before consumption or further processing. In this state, they are often referred to as "whole" or "natural" to emphasize that no husking or polishing has occurred.
Similarly, when discussing botanical or culinary matters, unhusked is employed to describe fruits or nuts that have not been peeled, shelled, or otherwise had their outer coverings removed. Examples include unhusked coconuts, unhusked almonds, or unhusked corn, where the husk acts as a protective layer safeguarding the inner edible parts.
Overall, unhusked characterizes any natural produce or seed that preserves its original husk, shell, or protective layer, typically awaiting further processing or preparation.
Freed from the husk.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "unhusked" can be broken down into two parts: "un-" and "husked".
The prefix "un-" is derived from Old English and has the meaning "not" or "opposite of". It is used to negate or reverse the meaning of a word it is attached to. In the case of "unhusked", the prefix "un-" indicates that something is not husked.
The word "husked" is derived from the verb "husk", which originated in Middle English. "Husk" refers to the act of removing the outer covering or protective layer from something, typically a seed, fruit, or grain.
So the etymology of "unhusked" can be traced back to Old English for the prefix "un-" and Middle English for the verb "husked".