égrener

Senses

1. 1.

   to shell, to remove grains/seeds

   to remove seeds, grains, or berries from their pod, cob, or stem

2. 2.

   to tell off, to reel off

   to recite or enumerate items one by one in sequence

3. 3.

   to spread or scatter

   to disperse or drop things gradually along a path

Examples

• "Les enfants égrènent les grains de maïs pour préparer la soupe."

  The children shell the corn kernels to prepare the soup.

• "Il égrena les étapes de son projet avec précision."

  He reeled off the stages of his project with precision.

• "Des miettes s'égrenaient sur le chemin derrière elle."

  Crumbs scattered along the path behind her.

Usage

Common in culinary and agricultural contexts when referring to corn, peas, or berries. In a more formal or literary register, it means to enumerate or narrate methodically. The reflexive form "s'égrener" often describes things dispersing gradually.