Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bean: A lima bean is a flat, pale green or white bean, typically eaten cooked. It is known for its starchy, buttery texture and mild flavor.
   • The plant producing this bean: A lima bean can also refer to the bushy or climbing plant (Phaseolus lunatus) that produces these edible seeds.

Examples

• Noun (The seed):
  • The recipe calls for one cup of cooked lima beans.
  • She added frozen lima beans to the stew.
• Noun (The plant):
  • The lima beans in the garden are ready for harvest.
  • They grow both bush and pole varieties of lima bean.

Advanced Usage

• "Butter bean": In some regions, particularly the Southern United States and the United Kingdom, lima beans are commonly called "butter beans," especially the larger, mature varieties.
  • In this dish, butter beans (lima beans) are cooked with ham.

Variants and Related Words

• Butter bean (n): A common synonym for lima bean, especially for the larger, cream-colored variety.
• Phaseolus lunatus (n): The scientific botanical name for the lima bean plant.

Synonyms

• Butter bean: (see Variants and Related Words)
• Sieva bean: Another name for a smaller type of lima bean.

Related Phrases

• Lima bean plant: Explicitly refers to the plant itself.
  • The lima bean plant requires warm soil to germinate.

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