zrnka

Zrnka is a noun used in Slovenian and some related South Slavic languages to denote small grains or seeds. It is the plural form of zrno or the diminutive zrnko, both of which relate to a grain, kernel, or seed. The underlying root zr- traces to the Proto-Slavic term *zrno, a basic word for a single seed or kernel, with the suffix -ka contributing a sense of diminutive or collective plurality in modern usage.

Usage and meaning. Zrnka refers to multiple small grains or seeds in a literal sense, such as seeds from cereals, fruits, or spices. The word also functions in descriptive or textual contexts to convey minuteness, texture, or granular detail, including references to small particles like sand or salt when described as a collection of grains. In everyday Slovenian speech, zrnka is a common, neutral term and appears across standard dictionaries and corpora.

Variants and related forms. Related words include zrno (singular, meaning grain or kernel) and zrnko (a diminutive form with similar meaning). Other related Slavic terms such as zrnce or zrnca appear in dialectal or cross-language contexts with overlapping senses of small grain or particle. The exact form and usage can vary by dialect, but the core idea—small grain or seed—remains constant.

See also: zrno, zrnko, zrnce, zrnca.