Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cucumber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🥒
Add to dictionary

cucumber

[ˈkjuːkʌmbə(r) ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vegetable

A long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, usually eaten raw in salads or pickled.

Synonyms

courgette, gourd, zucchini.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cucumber

Commonly used in salads and sandwiches for its refreshing taste. Can also be used for pickling.

  • She added slices of cucumber to her salad.
  • I love cucumber sandwiches for tea.
gourd

Refers to a family of plants that have hard shells and are often used as ornamental items, containers, or cooking vessels. Can also refer to inedible varieties.

  • We made birdhouses out of dried gourds.
  • The ancient tribes used gourds as containers.
zucchini

This is the American English term for courgette, mainly used in cooking, especially in American recipes.

  • Grilled zucchini is a great side dish for barbecues.
  • My favorite dish is baked zucchini with cheese.
courgette

This is the British English term for zucchini, typically used in cooking, especially in European recipes.

  • Stir-fry the courgette with onions and garlic.
  • Courgette soup is a delicious and healthy choice.

Examples of usage

  • The salad was topped with slices of cucumber.
  • She enjoyed a refreshing cucumber water during the hot summer day.
Context #2 | Noun

slang

A person who is not able to handle pressure or criticism well.

Synonyms

pushover, softie, weakling.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a cucumber, learn to take constructive feedback.
  • He's a real cucumber when it comes to dealing with stress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Cucumbers can be pickled to create a tangy snack or condiment, a practice that has been around for centuries.
  • They are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, often found in salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce.
  • Sliced cucumbers are not only refreshing; they can also be used as a natural remedy for sunburn and puffiness around the eyes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers are great for hydration and weight management.
  • They contain vitamins such as K, C, and several B vitamins, making them a healthy addition to meals.
  • Cucumbers have antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Cultural Significance

  • In Japan, cucumbers are often served as a side dish, emphasizing their refreshing qualities in the hot summer months.
  • In some cultures, cucumbers are believed to bring good luck and are often included in rituals and celebrations.
  • Cucumbers hold a place in literature and art, often symbolizing fertility and abundance in various cultures.

Agriculture

  • Cucumbers are part of the gourd family, which also includes pumpkins and squash, and require warm weather to grow.
  • This vegetable can be grown on trellises, saving space in gardens while improving air circulation and light exposure.
  • Over 95% of a cucumber's weight is water, making it a great crop for hot climates where water conservation is important.

Origin of 'cucumber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cucumber' comes from the Latin 'cucumis', which means 'cucumber' or 'gourd', showing its long history.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'cucumer', reflecting the transition from Latin to the modern English word we use today.
  • The name has roots in several languages, indicating the vegetable's widespread popularity across cultures.

The word 'cucumber' originated from the Latin word 'cucumis', which was later adapted into Old French as 'cocombre'. It eventually made its way into Middle English as 'coucombre', before settling into its current form. Cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in India. They are widely used in various cuisines around the world for their refreshing and versatile qualities.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,315, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.