Onion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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onion
[ˈʌnjən ]
Definitions
cooking
A round vegetable with many layers, typically brown or white in color, that has a strong taste and smell when chopped or cooked.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| onion |
Everyday, casual conversation or cooking instructions. The most commonly used word for this vegetable.
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| bulb onion |
When emphasizing the bulbous nature of the vegetable, possibly in agricultural contexts or when distinguishing it from other types of onions like green onions or spring onions.
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| Allium cepa |
Scientific, botanical, or formal contexts. This is the Latin name for the onion and might be used in academic writing or detailed gardening guides.
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Examples of usage
- Add chopped onions to the stir-fry.
- The recipe calls for two onions, diced.
- She could smell the onions frying in the kitchen.
gardening
A plant of the lily family with edible bulbs that are typically eaten raw in salads or cooked.
Synonyms
Allium cepa, onion plant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| onion |
Commonly used in everyday language for cooking and recipes.
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| Allium cepa |
Used in scientific or botanical contexts to refer to the species.
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| onion plant |
Used when referring to the whole plant, particularly in gardening or botanical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I planted some onion sets in the garden.
- Onions are easy to grow in most climates.
informal
A person or thing with many layers or hidden depths, often used in the phrase 'like peeling back layers of an onion.'
Synonyms
complex person, multi-faceted individual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| onion |
Use this in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who has many layers to their personality or complexity. This term is often informal and can be playful.
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| complex person |
This term is suitable for formal or semi-formal contexts when describing someone who has a complicated personality or many different sides. It is straightforward and neutral.
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| multi-faceted individual |
Best used in formal or professional settings to highlight the diverse attributes and skills of a person. This term carries a positive connotation and is elegant.
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Examples of usage
- She's like an onion, you never know what you'll find beneath the surface.
- Getting to know him was like peeling back layers of an onion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Onions can be eaten raw in salads, cooked in soups, and caramelized for a sweet flavor in many dishes.
- Different types of onions, like red or green, have unique tastes and can change the flavor of meals.
- Onions are one of the most widely used vegetables in the world, found in cuisines from all cultures.
Historical Origins
- This vegetable has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, with evidence found in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
- Onions were so important to ancient Egyptians that they included them in tombs, believing they brought good fortune in the afterlife.
- Historically, they were valued not just for food but also for their medicinal properties and were used to treat various ailments.
Health Benefits
- Onions are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice in cooking.
- They contain antioxidants and compounds that can support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Eating onions may help boost the immune system due to their richness in nutrients.
Botanical Features
- Onions are part of the Allium family, which also includes garlic, leeks, and shallots.
- They grow underground as bulbous roots, allowing them to store energy for growth.
- The distinct flavor of onions comes from sulfur compounds that are released when they are cut.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, onions are considered a symbol of both life and death, often used in rituals and offerings.
- The tradition of eating onions on New Year's Eve is believed to bring good luck for the coming year in various regions.
- In literature and folklore, onions often symbolize layers of complexity or hidden truths.
Origin of 'onion'
The word 'onion' comes from the Old French 'oignon', which in turn comes from the Latin 'unio' meaning 'single, one, unity'. Onions have been cultivated for over 5000 years and have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes in various cultures throughout history.