crine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Low / ObsoletePoetic, Archaic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “crine” mean?
(Archaic, rare verb) To shrink, shrivel, wither.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(Archaic, rare verb) To shrink, shrivel, wither; to cause to contract or shrink.
As a rare/obsolete noun, it can refer to hair or a head of hair.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern geographical variation exists due to its obsolescence. Historical usage shows no specific regional preference.
Connotations
In any modern encounter, it would be perceived as a deliberate archaism or a poetically obscure term.
Frequency
Effectively zero in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “crine” in a Sentence
[Subject] crines (intransitive)[Subject] crines [Object] (rare/transitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient parchment had crined at the edges.
- In the drought, even the hardy gorse began to crine.
American English
- The old leaves crined into brittle brown flakes.
- His enthusiasm seemed to crine away over the years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or specific analyses of archaic/poetic texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crine”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Mispronouncing it to rhyme with 'green'.
- Confusing its verb and noun senses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and extremely rare word, not part of modern active vocabulary.
It is most likely the verb meaning 'to shrink or wither'. In some poetic contexts, it could be a noun for 'hair'.
Only for recognition in historical or literary studies. It is not recommended for active use in speech or modern writing.
For linguistic completeness and to aid learners who may encounter it in older literature, preventing confusion.
(Archaic, rare verb) To shrink, shrivel, wither.
Crine is usually poetic, archaic, literary in register.
Crine: in British English it is pronounced /krʌɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /kraɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CRYstalINE structure SHRINKING and losing its form - CRINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A WITHERER (e.g., 'years that crine the cheek').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'crine'?