Word Study
culm
CIDE DICTIONARY
culm, n. [L. culmus stalk, stem; akin to calamus. SeeHalm.].
The stalk or stem of grain and grasses (including the bamboo), jointed and usually hollow. [1913 Webster]
culm, n. [Perh. from W. cwlm knot or tie, applied to this species of coal, which is much found in balls or knots in some parts of Wales: cf. OE. culme smoke, soot.].
Mineral coal that is not bituminous; anthracite, especially when found in small masses. Raymond. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
culm, n.
1 coal-dust, esp. of anthracite.
2 Geol. strata under coal measures, esp. in SW England.
1 coal-dust, esp. of anthracite.
2 Geol. strata under coal measures, esp. in SW England.
culm, n. Bot. the stem of a plant, esp. of grasses.
Derivative
culmiferous adj.
Etymology
L culmus stalk
ROGET THESAURUS
culm
Fuel
N fuel, firing, combustible, coal, wallsend, anthracite, culm, coke, carbon, charcoal, bituminous coal, tar shale, turf, peat, firewood, bobbing, faggot, log, cinder, ingle, tinder, touchwood, sulphur, brimstone, incense, port-fire, fire-barrel, fireball, brand, amadou, bavin, blind coal, glance coal, German tinder, pyrotechnic sponge, punk, smudge, solid fueled rocket, wax, paraffin wax, paraffin oil, lamp oil, whale oil, oil, petroleum, gasoline, high octane gasoline, nitromethane, petrol, gas, juice, gasohol, alcohol, ethanol, methanol, fuel oil, kerosene, jet fuel, heating oil, number 2 oil, number 4 oil, naphtha, rocket fuel, high specific impulse fuel, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, lox, natural gas, synthetic gas, synthesis gas, propane, butane, hydrogen, brand, torch, fuse, wick, spill, match, light, lucifer, congreve, vesuvian, vesta, fusee, locofoco, linstock, candle, oil, carbonaceous, combustible, inflammable, high octane, high specific impulse, heat of combustion.For further exploring for "culm" in Webster Dictionary Online