Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - straw

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English streaw; akin to Old High German stro ~, Old English strewian to strew  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. stalks of grain after threshing; broadly dry stalky plant residue used like grain ~ (as for bedding or packing)  b. a natural or artificial heavy fiber used for weaving, plaiting, or braiding  2. a dry coarse stem especially of a cereal grass  3.  a.  (1) something of small worth or significance  (2) something too insubstantial to provide support or help in a desperate situation clutching at ~s  b. chaff 2  4.  a. something (as a hat) made of ~  b. a tube (as of paper, plastic, or glass) for sucking up a beverage  • ~y adjective  II. adjective  Date: 15th century  1. made of ~ a ~ hat  2. of, relating to, or used for ~ a ~ barn  3. of the color of ~ ~ hair  4. of little or no value ; worthless  5. of, relating to, resembling, or being a ~ man  6. of, relating to, or concerned with the discovery of preferences by means of a ~ vote