Definition

Noun: 1. The edible seed of the sunflower plant: A single, hard-shelled fruit (achene) produced by the sunflower (Helianthus annuus), typically striped in black and white or solid black, which is removed from its shell and consumed.

Usage

• The word "sunflower seed" refers to the whole, unshelled seed or to the edible kernel inside.
• It is commonly used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
• It describes the seed both in its natural state as a agricultural product and as a prepared food item.

Examples

• As a snack:
• As an ingredient:
• In cultivation:

Advanced Usage

• "To shell sunflower seeds": To remove the hard outer hull to access the edible kernel inside, often done with the teeth as a casual snack.
  • He sat on the porch, expertly shelling sunflower seeds.
• In botanical or agricultural contexts, "sunflower seed" specifically refers to the achene, which is the fruit containing the seed.

Variants and Related Words

• Sunflower kernel: Often used to specify the edible part of the seed after the shell has been removed.
  • The bread is topped with sunflower kernels.
• Sunflower oil: The oil pressed from sunflower seeds.
  • This mayonnaise is made with sunflower oil.

Synonyms

• Edible seed: A general term for any seed consumed as food.

Related Phrases

• Birdseed mix: Sunflower seeds are a common component in feed for wild birds and poultry.
  • The birdseed mix is full of black oil sunflower seeds.

Noun

1. edible seed of sunflowers; used as food and poultry feed and as a source of oil