Bean Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
bean
[biหn ]
Definitions
food
An edible seed, typically kidney-shaped, growing in long pods on certain leguminous plants.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bean |
Used when talking about various seeds of plants that are eaten as vegetables. Often used in the context of cooking and groceries.
|
| legume |
More scientific or technical term used when referring to the entire plant family that includes beans, peas, lentils, etc. Often used in agricultural or nutritional contexts.
|
| pulse |
Used specifically when referring to the edible seeds of leguminous plants, often in the context of nutrition or diet. Can sound more formal or technical.
|
| seed |
General term used for any small, hard part of a plant from which new plants can grow. Often used in gardening or biology contexts. Can also indicate a very small quantity of something, metaphorically.
|
Examples of usage
- She cooked a delicious bean soup for dinner.
- He ordered a salad with mixed beans as a side dish.
slang
A person's head.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bean |
Often used humorously or informally to refer to a person's head.
|
| head |
The most general term for the upper part of the human body, containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
|
| skull |
Refers to the bone structure of the head, often used in medical or anatomical discussions. Can also lend a more serious or dramatic tone.
|
| noggin |
A informal and playful term for someone's head, often used to make light of bumps or minor injuries.
|
Examples of usage
- He knocked him on the bean with a baseball bat.
- She bumped her bean on the low doorway.
informal
An individual coffee bean.
Synonyms
coffee bean, java bean.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bean |
Casual nickname for coffee, often used in informal conversations.
|
| coffee bean |
Specific term referring to seeds of coffee plants, used in beverages.
|
| java bean |
Technical term used in computing, specifically in the context of Java programming.
|
Examples of usage
- She prefers to grind her own beans for coffee.
- He bought a bag of premium quality coffee beans.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Nutrition
- Beans are packed with protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians who need strong muscles.
- They are high in fiber, which helps keep our tummies healthy and can help control appetite.
- Different varieties, like black beans and kidney beans, have unique flavors and health benefits.
Agriculture
- Beans are legumes, meaning they can help add nitrogen back to the soil, benefiting other plants around them.
- They are grown in a variety of climates and can be a sustainable crop that requires less water than some other foods.
- Many cultures have cultivated beans for thousands of years, making them one of the oldest cultivated plants.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, beans symbolize prosperity and fertility, often used in celebrations and rituals.
- The phrase 'to spill the beans' means to reveal a secret, stemming from ancient voting methods involving beans.
- In Ancient Rome, beans were considered sacred and were used in various ceremonies to honor the dead.
History
- Beans were domesticated over 7,000 years ago, with archaeological evidence suggesting origins in both the Americas and Europe.
- They were a staple food for early civilizations, such as the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca, who grew them alongside corn.
- The introduction of beans to Europe from the Americas changed culinary practices in many regions.
Science
- Beans belong to a family of plants called Fabaceae, which is known for their ability to fix nitrogen from the air.
- The study of beans has led to advancements in genetic research, as scientists explore how to improve crop resistance to disease.
- Certain beans produce toxins that must be cooked out, demonstrating the importance of preparation in food safety.
Origin of 'bean'
The word 'bean' originated from Old English 'bean' or 'bฤan', which is of Germanic origin. The word has been used to refer to the edible seed from leguminous plants for centuries. In slang, 'bean' has been used to refer to a person's head since the early 20th century. The term 'bean' for an individual coffee bean became popular in the coffee industry in the 19th century.