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Definition of grainy

grainy

/ˈɡreɪ.ni/
grain · y
Adverb:grainily
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grainy Lexical Profile

grainy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing visible specks, dots, or optical noise rather than a sharp, smooth image (especially of a photograph, film, or video).

Example

"The security camera captured only a grainy black-and-white image of the suspect."

2

Consisting of or having a rough, uneven texture made up of small particles or granules.

Example

"If you overcook the custard, it will develop an unpleasant, grainy texture."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for grainy

• Rhymes for grainy

• Nearby Words

grainfield
graininess
grainless
grainy
gram
grammar
grammatical

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun 'grain' (from Old French 'grain', ultimately from Latin 'granum', meaning 'seed' or 'kernel') plus the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grainy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grainy
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