Definition

Noun 1. A species of Old World plant: An upright, annual plant (Vicia faba) cultivated since ancient times, primarily for its large, flat, edible seeds, but also used as animal fodder. It is commonly known as the broad bean, fava bean, or horse bean plant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer planted a field of Vicia faba to improve the soil's nitrogen content.
  • For this recipe, you will need the fresh green seeds from Vicia faba.
  • Archaeological evidence shows Vicia faba was a staple crop in the ancient Mediterranean.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or agricultural contexts: The term is the precise scientific (Latin) binomial name used to avoid confusion with other types of beans. It specifies the exact species.
  • The study focused on the drought resistance of Vicia faba compared to other legumes.

Variants and Related Words

• Broad bean: The most common English name for the plant and its seed.
• Fava bean: (Common in North American English) Refers to the plant and, especially, the culinary seed.
• Horse bean: A name sometimes used, particularly for varieties grown as animal feed.
• Faba bean: A modern term derived from the scientific name, often used in agricultural and commodity trading contexts.

Synonyms

• Broad bean plant
• Fava bean plant

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term refers specifically to the plant species itself. The edible seeds produced by this plant have their own common names (broad beans, fava beans). In casual usage, "broad bean" can refer to both the plant and the seed, but is strictly botanical.

Noun

1. Old World upright plant grown especially for its large flat edible seeds but also as fodder