sunflower seed
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- edible seed of sunflowers; used as food and poultry feed and as a source of oil