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Inedible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inedible

[ɪˈnɛdɪbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food quality

Inedible refers to substances that are not fit or safe for consumption. Food items may be deemed inedible if they are spoiled, toxic, or otherwise unpalatable. This term can also apply to items that are inedible due to their texture or composition, such as certain plant parts or materials that cannot be digested. Inedibility can result from contamination or deliberate alterations made to a food item's properties.

Synonyms

non-edible, undigestible, unfit, unsafe.

Examples of usage

  • The mushroom was found to be inedible and unsafe to eat.
  • He discarded the inedible portions of his meal.
  • Some wild berries are beautiful but inedible.
  • After the food sat out too long, it became inedible.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Food Science

  • Certain plants and fungi can be inedible or even poisonous when consumed, leading to serious health risks.
  • The concept of inedibility is crucial in food safety, as some foods can cause allergic reactions or toxic responses.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often describe inedible substances to symbolize danger or the deterioration of a situation.
  • The use of inedible ingredients in cooking stories often serves to emphasize failure or disappointment in characters' journeys.

Culinary Arts

  • In culinary contexts, inedible decorations often adorn dishes, enhancing presentation but are purely for looks.
  • Some cultures serve inedible items alongside meals as a form of artistic expression or cultural commentary.

Environmental Impact

  • Food waste often includes inedible parts of fruits and vegetables, raising concerns about sustainability and consumption habits.
  • Efforts to categorize inedible materials are essential for composting and ecological recycling initiatives.

Origin of 'inedible'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inedibilis,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'edibilis' means 'able to be eaten.'
  • It originated in the early 17th century, highlighting foods that are unsuitable for consumption.

The word 'inedible' originates from the late 15th century, derived from the Latin word 'inedibilis', which means 'not able to be eaten'. This Latin term is a combination of the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'edibilis', which means 'fit for eating' and is derived from the verb 'edere', meaning 'to eat'. Initially, the concept related strictly to food but has since evolved to encompass various substances deemed unsuitable for consumption. The growth of food safety standards and awareness about toxic substances has led to a more prevalent use of the term in modern contexts. The prefix 'in-' is commonly used in English to indicate negation, contributing to the straightforward and functional meaning of 'inedible' in assessing the safety and suitability of food products.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,635, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.