Definition

Noun: - The small, round seed of the mustard plant, used whole as a spice or ground to make mustard condiment. It is known for its pungent flavor and is a common ingredient in cooking and pickling.

Usage

The term "mustard seed" refers specifically to the seed itself. It is typically used as a mass noun (uncountable) when referring to the ingredient in general, but can be countable when referring to individual seeds. - The recipe calls for a teaspoon of mustard seed. - A single mustard seed is very small.

Examples

• As an ingredient:
• For comparison: (This is a common metaphorical use from biblical parable.)
• In gardening:

Advanced Usage

• "To be as small as a mustard seed": A common idiom meaning to be very tiny or to have a very small amount of something, often used metaphorically regarding faith or hope.
  • His chance of winning was as small as a mustard seed, but he never gave up.

Variants and Related Words

• Mustard (noun): The paste or powder condiment made by grinding mustard seeds and mixing them with liquid.
• Mustard plant (noun): The plant from which mustard seeds are harvested.
• Mustard oil (noun): An oil pressed from mustard seeds.
• Mustard powder (noun): Dried, ground mustard seeds.

Synonyms

• Mustard (when referring to the ground seed product, not the whole seed).
• Condiment seed (a general, less specific term).

Notes on Different Meanings

The primary meaning is the literal seed. Its secondary, common meaning is metaphorical, derived from the New Testament parable, symbolizing something very small that can grow into something large or have a significant effect.

Noun

1. black or white seeds ground to make mustard pastes or powders