Definitions

1. noun

A type of grain, specifically oats, or the plant itself. Often used in reference to oatmeal or oat flour.

“The baker used avena to make a hearty oatmeal porridge for breakfast.”

2. noun

A genus of grasses, native to the Americas, which includes oat grass and other related species.

“The botanist studied the different species of avena found in the region.”

3. proper noun

A genus name in taxonomy.

“The taxonomist used avena in the scientific classification of the plant species.”