succulent
/'sʌkjulənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Full of juice; juicy: Describes something, especially food, that is moist, tender, and flavorful due to its high liquid content.
- Having thick, fleshy tissues that store water: Describes plants, particularly those adapted to dry environments, that have swollen, moisture-retaining leaves or stems.
Noun:
- A type of plant adapted to arid conditions: A plant characterized by thick, fleshy parts (such as leaves or stems) that store water, allowing it to survive in dry climates.
Examples
Adjective:
- The chef prepared a succulent steak that was perfectly cooked.
- Aloe vera is a succulent plant commonly found in dry regions.
Noun:
- Cacti and agaves are well-known succulents.
- She has a collection of succulents on her sunny windowsill.
Advanced Usage
- Descriptive Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe writing or art that is richly detailed or satisfying.
- The author's succulent prose made the novel a delight to read.
- Horticultural Context: In botany, "succulent" specifically refers to a plant's adaptation strategy (succulence) for water storage.
Variants and Related Words
- Succulence (n): The quality or state of being succulent; juiciness.
- The succulence of the fruit was remarkable.
- Succulently (adv): In a succulent manner.
- The meat was succulently roasted.
Synonyms
- Adjective (for food): Juicy, moist, tender, luscious.
- Adjective (for plants): Fleshy, pulpy.
- Noun: Xerophyte (a more technical term for plants adapted to dry environments, though not all xerophytes are succulents).
Related Phrases
- Succulent growth: Refers to the tender, often rapid, new growth of plants, which is high in moisture.
- After the rain, the garden showed signs of succulent growth.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The primary meanings are distinct but related through the core concept of "fullness of moisture." The adjective commonly describes desirable food, while the noun is a strict botanical category. The metaphorical use for rich language is less common but valid.
Adjective
- full of juice
- lush fruits
- succulent roast beef
- succulent plants with thick fleshy leaves
Noun
- a plant adapted to arid conditions and characterized by fleshy water-storing tissues that act as water reservoirs