lima bean
/'laimə'bi:n/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- broad flat beans simmered gently; never eaten raw
- bush or tall-growing bean plant having large flat edible seeds
- bush bean plant cultivated especially in southern United States having small flat edible seeds