Dictionary.com Word FAQs
Why is it an ear of corn?
"Ear" in the context of corn goes all the way back to Gothic ahs (which had the same meaning as Latin acus) 'husk of corn'. It has meant, in Old English since c. 800, 'a spike or head of corn, wheat, etc.'. It is the part of this cereal plant which contains the flowers, grains, or seeds. Since 1622, "ear" has also meant 'a head of maize'. There is no connection to "ear" as the organ of hearing.