Definition

Noun: 1. A plant whose leaves (and sometimes stems) are consumed as food: This term refers to any vegetable where the primary edible part is the leaf. These vegetables are often eaten raw in salads or cooked. 2. The edible leaf (and stem) of such a plant: It can also refer to the specific green, leafy part of a plant that is harvested and eaten.

Usage

• As a countable noun for a type of plant: "Kale and spinach are nutritious ."
• As a countable noun for the edible part: "Add a like Swiss chard to the soup."
• As a mass noun, often plural: "You should eat more for your health."

Examples

• "The recipe calls for a , so I will use arugula."
• "Dark are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals."
• "She filled her shopping basket with various for the week's salads."

Advanced Usage

• "Leafy green vegetable": A more specific term emphasizing the green color, which is often associated with high nutrient density (e.g., spinach, collard greens, bok choy).
• In botanical or agricultural contexts, the term distinguishes vegetables grown for their leaves (like lettuce) from those grown for other parts like roots (carrots), fruits (tomatoes), or flowers (broccoli).

Variants and Related Words

• Greens (n., informal): A common synonym, especially in culinary contexts (e.g., "collard greens," "mustard greens").
• Potherb (n.): An older or more technical term for a plant whose leaves, stems, or flowers are cooked and used as vegetables or for seasoning.
• Salad green (n.): A type of leafy vegetable typically eaten raw in salads (e.g., lettuce, romaine, endive).

Synonyms

• Greens
• Green vegetable
• Leaf vegetable
• Potherb (less common)

Antonyms

• Root vegetable (e.g., carrot, potato)
• Fruit vegetable (e.g., tomato, cucumber)
• Bulb vegetable (e.g., onion, garlic)

Related Phrases

• Dark leafy greens: A common nutritional phrase highlighting vegetables like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard for their health benefits.
• Leafy crop: An agricultural term for plants cultivated primarily for their leaves.

Noun

1. any of various leafy plants or their leaves and stems eaten as vegetables