cob

This word functions as a homonym with several distinct meanings across agriculture, zoology, and construction. In the context of corn, it refers specifically to the inedible central axis, while in architecture, it describes a primitive, sustainable building method using raw earth. When referring to animals, the term distinguishes specific types: a sturdy, compact horse or a male swan. Because the building material "cob" is a mass noun, it is treated as uncountable, whereas the horse, swan, and corn core are countable entities.