Langimage
English

legumes

|le/gumes|

B2

/ˈlɛɡ.juːmz/

(legume)

edible seeds or pods

Base FormPlural
legumelegumes
Etymology
Etymology Information

'legume' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'legumen,' where 'legere' meant 'to gather.'

Historical Evolution

'legumen' transformed into the Old French word 'legume,' and eventually became the modern English word 'legume.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a plant to be gathered,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of plant or its seed used as food.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a type of plant in the family Fabaceae, or the fruit or seed of such a plant, used as food.

Chickpeas and lentils are popular legumes.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the seedpod of a leguminous plant (such as peas or beans) used as food.

The farmer harvested the legumes in late summer.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/18 08:19