lentil

[ len-til, -tl ]

noun

1. a plant, Lens culinaris, of the legume family, having flattened, biconvex seeds used as food.
2. the seed itself.

lentil

/ ˈlɛntɪl /

noun

1. a small annual leguminous plant, Lens culinaris, of the Mediterranean region and W Asia, having edible brownish convex seeds
2. any of the seeds of this plant, which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, in soups, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of lentil¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English, from Old French lentille, from Vulgar Latin lentīcula (unrecorded), from Latin lenticula; lenticle

Word History and Origins

Origin of lentil¹

C13: from Old French lentille, from Latin lenticula, diminutive of lēns lentil

Example Sentences

Students planted cilantro in a garden tower, met a local organic farmer who grows red lentils, and learned about corn.

From Salon

I opted for stews and soups infused with spices such as ginger, turmeric and cinnamon, particularly Harrington’s red lentil dal recipe.

From Los Angeles Times

They had just four table spoons of oats for breakfast, shared a bag of peanuts on a six-hour hike and then ate lentils in the evening when they could not catch fish.

From BBC

Shelf-stable proteins can include canned meats like chicken or tuna, as well as beans, lentils, nuts and nut butters.

From Salon

Achieving these health benefits may be as simple as swapping ham for baked beans in a toastie for lunch, or substituting half of the mince in your bolognese for lentils at dinner.

From Salon