jew's-ear

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Word: Jew's-ear

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Jew's-ear is a type of edible fungus that looks like a human ear and typically grows on decaying wood.

Explanation:

• Appearance: Jew's-ear mushrooms are usually dark brown or black and have a soft, ear-like shape.
• Habitat: They often grow on dead or decaying trees, particularly willows, and can be found in many parts of the world.
• Culinary Use: In cooking, these mushrooms are used in various dishes, especially in Asian cuisines, where they add a unique texture and flavor.

Usage Instructions:

• Commonly Used In: Cooking, especially in soups, stir-fries, and salads.
• How to Use in a Sentence: "I added some sliced Jew's-ear mushrooms to my stir-fry for extra flavor."

Example Sentence:

• "The chef used Jew's-ear mushrooms in the soup to give it a rich, umami taste."

Advanced Usage:

Jew's-ear mushrooms are sometimes used in traditional medicine, believed to have health benefits. You might see them in herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Variants:

There are no direct variants of the term "Jew's-ear," but it may also be referred to by its scientific name, Auricularia auricula-judae.

Different Meanings:

While "Jew's-ear" specifically refers to the fungus, the term might have historical references related to its name, which could be sensitive and context-dependent. Always be mindful when discussing its origins.

Synonyms:

• Wood ear mushroom: This is another common name for the same fungus, often used interchangeably.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Jew's-ear." However, the phrase "to have an ear for" means to have a good ability to understand or appreciate something, often used in the context of music or language.

Summary:

Jew's-ear is an edible mushroom that resembles a human ear and grows on decaying wood. It is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian dishes, and has some medicinal uses.

Academic

Noun

1. widely distributed edible fungus shaped like a human ear and growing on decaying wood

Synonyms

• Jew's-ear
• Jew's-ears
• ear fungus
• Auricularia auricula