Definition of "chaff" in English

noun

1. The inedible parts of a grain-producing plant.

   • To separate out the chaff, early cultures tossed baskets of grain into the air and let the wind blow away the lighter chaff.

2. Straw or hay cut up fine for the food of cattle.

3. (figurative) Any excess or unwanted material, resource, or person; anything worthless.

4. Light jesting talk; banter; raillery.

5. (military) Loose material, e.g. small strips of aluminum foil dropped from aircraft, intended to interfere with radar detection.

verb

1. (intransitive) To use light, idle language by way of fun or ridicule; to banter.

2. (transitive) To make fun of; to turn into ridicule by addressing in ironical or bantering language.

3. (transitive) To cut up (straw or hay) for use as cattle feed.