rye

Tall annual cereal grass grown extensively in northern Europe and other temperate regions. The flour is used to make dark-coloured (‘black’) breads. Rye is grown mainly as a food crop for animals, but the grain is also used to make whisky and breakfast cereals. (Secale cereale.)

Rye

Town in Westchester County, southeast New York; population (1990) 14,936. It is situated on Long Island Sound, 39 km/24 mi north of New York City. Founded in 1660, it is primarily residential, although there are some corporate offices. In the Colonial era it was an important stop along the Boston Post Road from New York. The Square House (c. 1730), a popular tavern, is now a museum. Rye Playland (a county-run amusement park), the Marshlands Conservancy (a wildlife sanctuary), and the Rye Nature Center are all located in the town.