butterbean

Thân thiện

A child picks a fresh butterbean from the garden vine.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of bean: A small, flat, pale green to white bean, similar to but typically smaller and milder than a lima bean. It is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Usage

The word "butterbean" is used as a countable noun to refer to the seed itself, either fresh, dried, or cooked. It is commonly used in culinary contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for a cup of fresh butterbeans.
  • She shelled the butterbeans for the stew.
  • Frozen butterbeans are available year-round in most supermarkets.

Advanced Usage

• Regional Variation: In some regions, particularly the Southern United States, the term "butterbean" is often used interchangeably with "lima bean," though they are distinct varieties. The context usually clarifies the meaning.
  • In this part of the country, we always call these butterbeans, not lima beans.

Variants and Related Words

• Lima bean (noun): A larger, often pale green or white bean, closely related to the butterbean. They are both types of shell beans.
• Shell bean (noun): A general term for beans that are removed from their pods before cooking or drying.

Synonyms

• Sieva bean
• Civet bean (regional/archaic)

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning refers to the specific bean variety. The name "butterbean" likely comes from the bean's buttery texture and flavor when cooked.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small flat green bean similar to lima beans

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sieva bean
• butter bean
• civet bean