Vegetable

Definition

Vegetable refers to any edible part of a plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, or flowers, used in cooking or as food. The term can also metaphorically refer to someone inactive or without energy.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/ or /ˈvɛdʒ.ɪ.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: VEJ-tuh-buhl or VEJ-i-tuh-buhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/ or /ˈvɛdʒ.ɪ.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: VEJ-tuh-buhl or VEJ-i-tuh-buhl

Etymology

The word "vegetable" originates from the Latin "vegetabilis," meaning "to enliven or animate," derived from "vegetare," meaning "to grow." It entered Middle English via Old French in the 15th century, initially describing something capable of growth. Its modern culinary usage dates back to the 18th century.

Derivatives

• Vegetation (noun)
• Vegetative (adjective)
• Vegetarian (noun/adjective)
• Vegetably (adverb, rare)
• Vegetal (adjective, archaic)

Synonyms

• Plant
• Produce
• Greens

Antonyms

• Meat
• Protein (context-specific)
• None

Usage

The word "vegetable" is commonly used in dietary and agricultural contexts. For example: "Carrots, potatoes, and spinach are all types of vegetables." It can also describe the plant-based category in culinary or nutritional classifications, e.g., "A balanced diet includes fruits and vegetables."

Related Terms

• Fruit: The edible product of a flowering plant, often sweet.
• Herb: A plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring or medicine.
• Crop: A cultivated plant grown for food or other purposes.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An edible plant or part of a plant: Refers to roots, stems, leaves, or flowers used as food.
  • Example: "Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable."
• A person in a passive or inactive state (metaphorical): Refers to someone who is unresponsive or lacks energy.
  • Example: "After working all day, I felt like a vegetable on the couch."

Adjective

• Relating to or derived from plants: Describes something that pertains to or is characteristic of plants.
  • Example: "She follows a strict vegetable-based diet."