legume

[ leg-yoom, li-gyoom ]

noun

1. any plant of the legume family, especially those used for feed, food, or as a soil-improving crop.
2. the pod or seed vessel of such a plant.
3. any table vegetable of the legume family.

legume

/ lɪˈɡjuːm; ˈlɛɡjuːm /

noun

1. the long dry dehiscent fruit produced by leguminous plants; a pod
2. any table vegetable of the family Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae ), esp beans or peas
3. any leguminous plant

legume

/ lĕg′yo̅o̅m′,lə-gyo̅o̅m′ /

1. Any of a large number of eudicot plants belonging to the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae). Their characteristic fruit is a seed pod. Legumes live in a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in structures called nodules on their roots. These bacteria are able to take nitrogen from the air, which is in a form that plants cannot use, and convert it into compounds that the plants can use. Many legumes are widely cultivated for food, as fodder for livestock, and as a means of improving the nitrogen content of soils. Beans, peas, clover, alfalfa, locust trees, and acacia trees are all legumes.
2. The seed pod of such a plant.

Other Words From

• non·legume noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legume¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from French légume “vegetable,” from Latin legūmen “pulse” (a leguminous plant), derivative of legere “to choose, gather, read”

Word History and Origins

Origin of legume¹

C17: from French légume, from Latin legūmen bean, from legere to pick (a crop)

Example Sentences

If you can find it, opt for a soup with a legume base like lentil or black bean.

From The Daily Beast

A perfectly roasted legume has a compact crunch that absorbs any flavoring you coat it with.

From The Daily Beast

Specimens were found in the daytime in stumps, dead cacti, and the hollow branches of the legume, Apoplanesia paniculata.

From Project Gutenberg

Carefully dig up a root of clover, cowpea, soy bean or other legume and wash the soil from it.

From Project Gutenberg

Now look at the ovules or seeds of the locust, and you will see that they are arranged in a pod or legume like those of the pea.

From Project Gutenberg

A short, non-legume sod rotation is an efficient means of building up a depleted orchard soil.

From Project Gutenberg

Legume and cream soups will furnish a satisfactory meal by themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• herb
• produce
• salad