Legume: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "legume" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legume

🇮🇳 फलियाँ

🇩🇪 Hülsenfrucht

🇮🇩 kacang-kacangan

🇺🇦 бобові

🇵🇱 roślina strączkowa

🇯🇵 豆類

🇫🇷 légumineuse

🇪🇸 legumbre

🇹🇷 baklagil

🇰🇷 콩류

🇸🇦 بقوليات

🇨🇿 luštěnina

🇸🇰 strukovina

🇨🇳 豆类

🇸🇮 stročnica

🇮🇸 belgjurt

🇰🇿 бұршақ тұқымдастар

🇬🇪 ბალახოვანი

🇦🇿 paxlalılar

🇲🇽 legumbre

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.

...
17799 reunited
17800 endangering
17801 conformance
17802 legume
17803 optimizing
17804 pitting
17805 crux
...