Tomato: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when specifically referring to the red, juicy fruit that is commonly used in cooking. Can be used in both culinary and botanical contexts.

• I added sliced tomatoes to the salad
• Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins

Commonly used in culinary contexts to describe tomatoes, as they are typically prepared and eaten like vegetables. This is despite the botanical classification as a fruit.

• Tomatoes are my favorite vegetable to add to pasta
• At the supermarket, you'll find tomatoes in the vegetable section

Used to refer to tomatoes from a botanical perspective, as they develop from the ovary of a flower and contain seeds. Often used in educational or scientific discussions.

• Botanically speaking, a tomato is a fruit
• The tomato is classified as a fruit because it develops from the flower’s ovary

Used more broadly to refer to fresh fruits and vegetables collectively. Often found in the context of shopping, farming, and markets.

• I need to pick up some fresh produce from the market
• The local store has a great selection of organic produce

Reiterated for completeness, aligning with the common usage for the edible fruit.

• She bought a ripe tomato from the farmer's market.
• He made a fresh tomato sauce for pasta.

Used in a more scientific or botanical context, emphasizing that tomatoes belong to the nightshade family.

• Members of the nightshade family include potatoes, eggplants, and nightshade fruit.
• Many people with arthritis avoid nightshade fruits due to their potential effects on inflammation.

Utilized in formal, scientific, or academic writing to refer to the botanical name of the tomato.

• Solanum lycopersicum is grown in many parts of the world for its edible fruits.
• Research on Solanum lycopersicum has shown it has numerous health benefits.

This is the general term used to refer to the red or yellow fruit that is commonly used in a variety of dishes.

• I bought some fresh tomatoes at the market
• She added sliced tomatoes to the sandwich

This term is used when referring to tomatoes as a part of a recipe or dish preparation.

• Tomatoes are a key cooking ingredient in this pasta sauce
• Many soups call for tomatoes as an essential cooking ingredient

This term is used to emphasize the importance and frequent use of tomatoes in cooking and culinary traditions.

• Tomatoes are a culinary staple in Mediterranean cuisine
• In many households, tomatoes are considered a culinary staple

This describes tomatoes in terms of their adaptability and many uses in different recipes and dishes.

• Tomatoes are such a versatile food item; you can use them in sauces, salads, or even eat them raw
• Because of their versatility, tomatoes can be incorporated into almost any meal