strawˈy adjective

Of or like straw

strawˈboard noun

A thick cardboard, made of straw

straw boss noun (US)

An assistant, temporary, or unofficial foreman

strawˈ-breadth noun

The breadth of a straw

strawˈ-colour noun and adjective

Delicate brownish-yellow

strawˈ-coloured adjective

strawˈ-cutter noun

An instrument for cutting straw

strawˈflower or straw flower noun

Any Australian composite flowering plant of the genus Helichrysum, esp H. bracteatum (or macranthum) with everlasting flowers in a wide variety of colours

strawˈ-hat adjective (US)

Of or relating to summer theatre

straw man noun

A man of straw (see under man¹)

strawˈ-plait noun

Plaited straw for hats

straw poll or straw vote noun

An unofficial vote taken to get some idea of the general trend of opinion

strawˈ-stem noun

1. The fine stem of a wineglass pulled out from the material of the bowl, instead of being attached separately
2. A wineglass having such a stem

strawˈweight same as mini flyweight (see flyweight under fly).

straw wine noun

A sweet wine obtained from grapes dried on straw

strawˈ-work noun

Work done in plaited straw

strawˈworm noun

Another name for a caddis fly larva

catch, clutch or grasp at straws or at a straw

To resort to an inadequate remedy in desperation

draw the short straw

To be entrusted with an unpleasant task (as a result of, or as if by, drawing straws)

last straw see under last¹

man of straw see under man¹

straw in the wind

A sign of possible future developments