Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of large, flat, edible bean: A broad bean is the seed of certain plants in the pea family, known for its large size, flat shape, and distinctive flavor. It is often eaten cooked.
   • The plant producing this bean: A broad bean is also the name of the Old World plant (Vicia faba) cultivated for these seeds, which can also be used as animal fodder.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the seed):
  • The recipe calls for fresh broad beans.
  • She shelled the broad beans for the stew.
• Noun (referring to the plant):
  • The broad bean is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold weather.
  • Fields of broad beans are common in this region.

Advanced Usage

• "Broad bean" as a culinary ingredient: Often used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and British cuisine. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or canned.
  • For a traditional English breakfast, you might find fried broad beans.
• In agricultural context: Refers to the crop grown for both human consumption and as a cover crop or fodder.
  • Farmers rotate wheat with broad beans to enrich the soil.

Variants and Related Words

• Fava bean: (noun) Another common name for the broad bean, especially in American English.
  • The dip is made from pureed fava beans.
• Horse bean: (noun) A variety of broad bean, often specifically denoting a smaller type or one used for animal feed.
• Shell bean: (noun) A general term for beans removed from their pods, which includes broad beans.

Synonyms

• Fava: (noun) A direct synonym for broad bean.
• Field bean: (noun) A term sometimes used interchangeably, particularly for varieties grown on a large scale.

Related Phrases

• Broad bean plant: The specific plant species .
  • The broad bean plant has distinctive black and white flowers.
• Broad bean weevil: (noun) A type of beetle that is a pest for this crop.
  • The farmer is concerned about broad bean weevil infestation.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "broad bean" primarily refers to the legume seed. Its use to describe the plant is secondary but common in agricultural contexts. It does not refer to the cooked dish itself (e.g., "shell beans cooked as lima beans" describes a preparation method, not the definition of the word "broad bean").

Noun

1. shell beans cooked as lima beans
2. a bean plant cultivated for use animal fodder
3. Old World upright plant grown especially for its large flat edible seeds but also as fodder
4. seed of the broad-bean plant