lima bean

/'laimə'bi:n/

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Explanation of "Lima Bean"

Definition: A lima bean is a type of bean that is broad and flat. It is usually green or white in color and is cooked before eating, as raw lima beans can be harmful. These beans come from a plant that can grow tall or be bushy, and they are especially popular in the southern United States.

Advanced Usage:

• Lima beans are not only tasty but also nutritious. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• In some recipes, lima beans can be mashed to create a spread or dip.

Word Variants:

• Lima Bean Plant: The plant that produces lima beans.
• Lima Beans (plural): Refers to more than one lima bean.

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, the term "lima" may refer to the city in Peru, but in this case, it specifically refers to the bean.

Synonyms:

• Butter bean (another common name for lima beans)
• Phaseolus lunatus (the scientific name)

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "lima bean," but you might hear phrases like "beans and rice," which refers to a common combination of foods, often used to represent a simple or staple diet.

Summary:

A lima bean is a nutritious, broad, flat bean that is typically cooked before eating. It's popular in southern U.S.

Academic

Noun

1. broad flat beans simmered gently; never eaten raw
2. bush or tall-growing bean plant having large flat edible seeds
3. bush bean plant cultivated especially in southern United States having small flat edible seeds

Synonyms

• lima bean plant
• Phaseolus limensis
• sieva bean
• butter bean
• butter-bean plant
• Phaseolus lunatus