broomcorn

/ˈbrumˌkɔrn/
noun
  1. A type of sorghum plant with stiff, brushy seed heads that are used to make brooms and brushes.
    • The farmer grew broomcorn in the field to sell to a broom factory.
    • She learned how to weave broomcorn into a sturdy whisk broom at the craft fair.
    • Broomcorn stalks can reach over six feet tall before they are harvested.
  2. The dried seed heads of this plant, used as the bristles in brooms.
    • Broomcorn is still preferred by some artisans for making decorative brooms.
    • The old broom was made from natural broomcorn, not plastic fibers.
    • He swept the porch with a broom whose bristles were bound broomcorn.
What does "broomcorn" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean