REED, n. 1. The common name of many aquatic plants; most of them large grasses, with hollow jointed stems, such as the common reed of the genus Arundo, the bamboo, &c. The bur-reed is of the genus Sparganium; the Indian Flowering reed of the genus Canna.2. A musical pipe; reeds being anciently used for instruments of music.3. A little tube through which a hautboy, bassoon or clarinet is blown.4. An arrow, as made of a reed headed.5. Thatch.
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