cornrow means One of a set of rows of tightly braided hair close to the scalp, forming a hairstyle, of African origin. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 67 out of 100.
Why this word is great
CORNROW — [Noun] A tightly braided row of hair lying flat against the scalp, part of a traditional African hairstyle evoking the symmetry of cultivated fields. A compound of corn (referring to the crop's orderly rows) and row (a linear arrangement), figuratively evoking the appearance of cornfields. Unlike "box braids" (which hang loose and independent) or "dreadlocks" (which coil and tangle freely), cornrows are deliberate, geometric, a testament to precision. They are the sharp part in a child’s hair before the braiding begins, the intricate patterns that map lineage and artistry onto skin, the way sunlight catches each raised ridge like a furrow in fertile soil—a reminder that even beauty must sometimes be bound to endure.
noun
- One of a set of rows of tightly braided hair close to the scalp, forming a hairstyle, of African origin.“The physician should evaluate for a history of tight ponytails, buns, chignons, braids, twists, weaves, cornrows, dreadlocks, sisterlocks, and hair wefts in addition to the usage of religious hair coverings.”
verb
- To braid the hair in this fashion.“He [...] passed his hand over her hair, which was now neatly cornrowed.”