Definition

Noun 1. A plant species: An Old World upright plant (Vicia faba) cultivated primarily for its large, flat, edible seeds, and also used as animal fodder. 2. The seed of this plant: The large, flat, edible seed produced by this plant, also commonly known as a broad bean or fava bean.

Usage and Examples

• The farmer planted a field of English bean to harvest both for market and to feed his livestock.
• This traditional recipe calls for dried English beans, which must be soaked overnight.
• As a legume, the English bean helps fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting crop rotation.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/agricultural contexts: The term is used to specify the particular cultivar or type of broad bean, often distinguishing it from other bean species.
  • The study compared the yield of the English bean with that of the soybean.

Variants and Related Words

• Broad bean: The most common synonym in general and culinary use.
• Fava bean (or faba bean): Another widely used synonym, especially in culinary contexts.
• Horse bean: A term sometimes used, particularly for varieties grown as animal feed.
• Vicia faba: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Broad bean
• Fava bean
• Faba bean
• Horse bean

Notes on Meaning

• The term "English bean" specifically refers to the plant and its seed. It is not a general term for beans originating from England.
• While historically grown for animal fodder ("also as fodder"), it is equally important as a human food source, especially in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines.

Noun

1. Old World upright plant grown especially for its large flat edible seeds but also as fodder