Esculent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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esculent

[หˆษ›skjสŠlษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

used in cooking

Fit to be eaten as food; eatable; edible.

Synonyms

comestible, eatable, edible.

Examples of usage

  • The esculent tubers of the earth-nut.
  • The esculent fruits of the earth.
  • Various esculent roots and potatoes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Usage

  • In cooking, esculent refers specifically to parts of plants, like leaves or roots, that are consumed as food.
  • Various squashes, roots like carrots, and leafy greens are considered esculent and are staples in many cuisines.

Botanical Classification

  • Plants classified as esculent are often cultivated for their nutritional benefits, contributing to a balanced diet.
  • The classification helps in knowledge sharing among botanists and chefs about which parts of plants are safe to consume.

Historical/Folklore

  • Throughout history, specific esculent plants have been symbols of prosperity and sustenance across various cultures.
  • Fables and stories often highlight the importance of crops like wheat and barley, which are esculent and crucial for survival.

Modern Health Trends

  • In recent years, there's been a shift toward consuming more esculent plants for their health benefits, such as fruits and vegetables.
  • The term is sometimes used in discussions about vegetarianism and plant-based diets, focusing on healthful eating choices.

Origin of 'esculent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'esculent' comes from the Latin word 'esculenta,' which means 'edible' or 'fit for eating.'
  • In ancient Roman literature, different plants were described as esculent based on their suitability for consumption.

The word 'esculent' originated from the Latin word 'esculentus', which means 'fit for eating'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe something that is suitable for consumption as food.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,090, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.