Greens Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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greens
[ษกriหnz ]
Definitions
leafy vegetables
Greens are leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, or kale, that are often used in salads or as a side dish. They are packed with nutrients and are known for their health benefits.
Synonyms
leafy vegetables, salad greens, vegetables.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| greens |
Used in a general sense to refer to various green vegetables, including but not limited to leafy vegetables. Common in everyday conversations and recipes.
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| leafy vegetables |
Specifically refers to vegetables that have edible leaves. More technical and precise, often used in health and nutrition contexts.
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| salad greens |
Refers to green leaves typically used in salads, such as lettuce, arugula, and spinach. Most commonly used in culinary contexts focused on salads.
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| vegetables |
A broad term for plants or parts of plants that are consumed as food, which may include greens as well as other types such as roots, tubers, and seeds. Common in any context discussing food and diet.
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Examples of usage
- Would you like some mixed greens in your salad?
- She always makes sure to include a variety of greens in her meals.
- He prefers to sautรฉ his greens with garlic and olive oil.
golf
In golf, the greens are the well-maintained grassy areas surrounding the holes on a golf course. Players aim to hit the ball onto the greens and then putt it into the hole.
Synonyms
fairway, golf course, putting green.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| greens |
Same as above; refers to the specific areas with holes on a golf course, but it is important to note that when referring to multiple instances of these areas, the term remains the same.
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| putting green |
A specific area, either on a golf course or a designated practice area, designed for practicing putting. Unlike 'greens,' it's used to indicate a practice area apart from the main course.
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| fairway |
Refers to the part of a golf course between the tee box and the green, usually a manicured path of grass. It's the ideal area for golfers to aim for with their shots.
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| golf course |
Describes the entire area where the game of golf is played, including the fairways, greens, tees, and hazards. This term is used when referring to the whole facility or venue.
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Examples of usage
- She made an impressive putt on the tricky green.
- The greens were especially fast and challenging today.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Greens are commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries, adding flavor and nutrition to meals.
- Various cultures use unique greens; for example, collard greens are a staple in Southern U.S. cooking.
- Some greens, like kale, can be eaten raw or cooked and are praised for their versatility in dishes.
Nutritional Benefits
- Leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, contributing to overall health and immune function.
- Eating greens can lower the risk of chronic diseases due to their high levels of antioxidants.
- Many greens are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, greens symbolize health and life; for example, the Japanese eat certain greens to welcome spring.
- The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the importance of dark leafy greens as a core component of healthy eating.
- In some traditional dishes around the world, like Italian minestrone or Vietnamese pho, greens are essential for flavor and nutrition.
Agriculture
- Greens are among the fastest-growing plants, making them an ideal crop for home gardens.
- Many varieties are grown year-round in different climates, showcasing their adaptability and importance in food systems.
- Farmers often rotate greens with other crops to maintain soil health and prevent pests.
Health Trends
- The popularity of detox diets and juice cleanses has brought greens like spinach and kale to the forefront of health discussions.
- Smoothies containing greens are trending, as they offer a quick and tasty way to include nutrients in one's diet.
- Superfoods like spirulina and wheatgrass are derived from greens and are marketed for their health benefits.
Origin of 'greens'
The word 'greens' dates back to Old English, where it referred to the green parts of plants. Over time, it came to be used specifically for leafy vegetables and the grassy areas on golf courses. The term has remained popular due to the importance of both healthy greens in diets and well-maintained greens in golf.
See also: evergreen, green, greenback, greenbacks, greenery, greenhorn, greenhouse, greenness, greenstone, greensward.