Tomato

Definition

Tomato refers to a red, edible fruit that is commonly used as a vegetable in cooking, produced by the plant Solanum lycopersicum.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /təˈmeɪ.toʊ/
• Respelling: tuh-MAY-toh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /təˈmɑː.təʊ/
• Respelling: tuh-MAH-toh

Etymology

The word "tomato" originates from the Spanish "tomate," derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word "tomatl," meaning "swelling fruit." It entered English in the 16th century during the Columbian exchange.

Derivatives

• Tomatoey (adjective)
• Tomato-like (adjective)
• Tomato paste (noun)
• Tomato sauce (noun)
• Cherry tomato (noun)

Synonyms

• Fruit
• Vegetable (culinary context)
• Pomodori (Italian term)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "tomato" is used to refer to the fruit itself, as in "The recipe calls for two tomatoes." It also refers to the plant that produces the fruit, as in "She grows tomatoes in her garden."

Related Terms

• Vegetable: A culinary category often including tomatoes.
• Fruit: A botanical category to which tomatoes belong.
• Nightshade: The family of plants including tomatoes.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An edible fruit of the tomato plant: Refers to the soft, red, juicy fruit often used in salads, sauces, and other dishes.
  • Example: "The tomato is ripe and ready to be picked."
• The plant that produces tomatoes: Refers to the species Solanum lycopersicum, cultivated worldwide.
  • Example: "Tomato plants need plenty of sunlight to grow well."