Definition

Noun: 1. The small, flat, oval edible seed of the sesame plant (Sesamum indicum): These seeds have a nutty flavor and are used as a food ingredient and a source of oil. They are typically beige or off-white but can also be found in black, red, or brown varieties.

Usage

• As a countable noun (often used in plural form): The term is most commonly used in its plural form, "sesame seeds," to refer to the seeds collectively as an ingredient.
• As an uncountable noun (referring to the substance): It can also be used in a more general, uncountable sense to refer to the seeds as a type of foodstuff.

Examples

• Plural form (most common):
  • The bagel is topped with sesame seeds.
  • Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan to enhance their flavor.
• General/Uncountable sense:
  • This recipe calls for a tablespoon of sesame seed.
  • Sesame seed is a common garnish in Asian cuisine.

Advanced Usage

• "Open sesame": This is a famous phrase from the story , used as a magical command to open a sealed door. It metaphorically refers to a quick and easy way to achieve something, though this idiom is based on the seed's name rather than a direct property of the seed itself.
  • A strong network can be the "open sesame" to career opportunities.

Variants and Related Words

• Sesame (noun): Refers to the entire plant () or, more commonly, the seeds and their products collectively (e.g., sesame oil, tahini).
  • Sesame is an important oilseed crop.
• Tahini (noun): A paste made from ground sesame seeds.
  • Hummus is made from chickpeas and tahini.
• Benne seed (noun): A regional name for sesame seed, used primarily in the Southern United States.
  • Benne seed wafers are a traditional Southern treat.

Synonyms

• Benne seed (regional synonym, as noted above).

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "sesame seed" has a single, specific meaning referring to the seed itself. It does not have multiple distinct definitions. All culinary and cultural references derive from this primary meaning.

Noun

1. small oval seeds of the sesame plant