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Tomato Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tomato

[tษ™หˆmeษชtoสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A red or yellowish fruit with a juicy pulp, used as a vegetable in cooking.

Synonyms

fruit, produce, vegetable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tomato

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
vegetable

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
fruit

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 flowerโ€™s ovary
produce

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

Examples of usage

  • I love adding fresh tomatoes to my salads.
  • She used tomatoes to make a delicious pasta sauce.
Context #2 | Noun

botany

The edible fruit of a nightshade plant.

Synonyms

Solanum lycopersicum, nightshade fruit.

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Word Description / Examples
tomato

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.
nightshade fruit

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.
Solanum lycopersicum

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.

Examples of usage

  • Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family.
  • The tomato plant produces both flowers and fruit.
Context #3 | Noun

culinary

A commonly used ingredient in various dishes, known for its versatility and nutritional value.

Synonyms

cooking ingredient, culinary staple, versatile food item.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tomato

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
cooking ingredient

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
culinary staple

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
versatile food item

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

Examples of usage

  • Tomatoes can be used in soups, salads, sauces, and sandwiches.
  • The acidity of tomatoes adds a tangy flavor to many recipes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Native to western South America, tomatoes were first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas several thousand years ago.
  • Spanish explorers brought tomatoes to Europe in the 16th century, where it initially faced suspicion due to its relation to poisonous plants.
  • The word 'tomato' comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word 'tomatl', referring to the fruit.

Culinary Uses

  • Tomatoes are a key ingredient in various cuisines around the world, from Italian pasta sauces to Indian curries.
  • They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried, showcasing remarkable versatility in different dishes.
  • The classic combination of tomatoes with basil and mozzarella is a hallmark of Italian cuisine, particularly in Caprese salad.

Nutritional Facts

  • Vegetables like tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.
  • They contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits, including heart health and cancer prevention.
  • Studies show that cooking tomatoes increases their antioxidant levels, making sauces extremely nutritious.

Pop Culture

  • Tomatoes feature in the iconic children's song 'On Top of Spaghetti', adding a fun twist to the otherwise traditional tale.
  • The annual La Tomatina festival in Spain celebrates tomatoes with a massive food fight, attracting tourists from all around the globe.
  • Famous for its vibrant red color, the tomato has been at the center of various artistic expressions, from paintings to culinary art.

Botanical Facts

  • Tomatoes are botanically classified as berries due to their fleshy fruit structure and seeds.
  • Over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes exist, ranging from cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak ones, showcasing a spectrum of flavors and colors.
  • Tomatoes grow as a vine, and their cultivation requires support or staking, making them unique in the plant world.

Origin of 'tomato'

The word 'tomato' originates from the Aztec language Nahuatl, where it was called 'tomatl'. When Spanish explorers brought tomatoes to Europe in the 16th century, they were initially thought to be poisonous. However, tomatoes gained popularity over time and became a staple in many cuisines worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,721 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.