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Legume Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legume

[ˈlɛɡjuːm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

Legume refers to plants that have seeds in pods, such as beans, peas, and lentils. Legumes are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Synonyms

bean, pea, pulse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legume

A broader term that refers to plants in the Fabaceae family or their seeds. Often used in agricultural, nutritional, and scientific contexts.

  • Legumes are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians
  • Growing legumes can help improve soil quality
pulse

Refers to the edible seeds of legumes, particularly the dried seeds. Commonly used in agricultural and nutritional contexts.

  • Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are all considered pulses
  • Pulses are high in protein and fiber
bean

Used to describe many small, round edible seeds that come from different types of plants. Commonly used in cooking and agriculture.

  • I made a hearty bean soup for dinner
  • Kidney beans are great in chili
pea

A specific kind of legume that is usually small and green. Often used in culinary contexts.

  • Add some peas to the salad for a pop of color
  • I love fresh peas straight from the garden

Examples of usage

  • Legumes are an important part of a vegetarian diet.
  • She enjoys cooking with various legumes, such as chickpeas and black beans.
  • Many cultures around the world incorporate legumes into their traditional dishes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nutrition

  • Legumes are a great source of protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
  • They are high in fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy.
  • Many legumes also contain iron, which is important for making blood.

Cultural Importance

  • In many cultures, like in India and parts of Africa, legumes are staples in diets and are used in many traditional dishes.
  • Legumes are known as pulse crops which play a significant role in sustainable agriculture by fixing nitrogen in the soil.

Agriculture

  • Legumes are often rotated with other crops in farming to help improve soil health.
  • They can grow in a variety of climates and are crucial for food security in many regions.

Science

  • Legumes belong to the family Fabaceae, which includes over 18,000 species.
  • Research shows that eating legumes regularly is linked to lower risks of heart disease.

Origin of 'legume'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'legume' comes from the Latin 'legumen', which means 'a pod'.
  • It was used primarily in Europe to describe plants with edible seeds in the Middle Ages.

The word 'legume' originates from the Latin word 'legumen', which means 'vegetable' or 'plant'. Legumes have been cultivated for thousands of years and have been a staple food in many cultures. They are valued for their nutritional content and ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,802, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.