Definition

Noun 1. A plant species (Glycine max): An erect, bushy, hairy annual herb with trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers. It is extensively cultivated for its nutritious, oil-rich seeds, used for food, forage, and soil improvement. Native to Asia. 2. The seed of this plant: The edible, protein- and oil-rich bean produced by the soja plant.

Usage Examples

• As a plant species:
  • The farmer rotated his crops, planting soja bean to enrich the nitrogen in the soil.
  • Fields of flowering soja bean can be seen across the region in the summer.
• As a seed or food product:
  • Tofu is made from processed soja bean.
  • The recipe calls for cooked soja beans.

Advanced Usage

• In agricultural science: The term "soja bean" is used in botanical and agricultural contexts to specify the plant species , distinguishing it from other types of beans.
  • The study focused on the drought resistance of the soja bean cultivar.

Variants and Related Words

• Soybean: The more common modern spelling and term for "soja bean."
• Soya bean: A variant spelling, common in British English.
• Soy (noun): A common short form, especially when referring to the derived products (e.g., soy sauce, soy milk) or the plant/bean in a general context.
• Glycine max: The scientific (Latin) name for the soja bean plant.

Synonyms

• Soybean (n): The primary synonym.
• Soya (n, chiefly British): Used to refer to the bean or the plant.

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "soja bean" refers specifically to the plant Glycine max and its seed. It does not inherently refer to processed products like sauce, milk, or paste, which are derived from it. Those are specified as "soy sauce," "soy milk," etc.

Noun

1. erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia