Definition

Noun A type of corn (maize) plant specifically cultivated for its young, tender ears, which have a high sugar content and are harvested for consumption as a vegetable. It is commonly known as sweet corn.

Usage

This term is a formal botanical name. In everyday language, the common name "sweet corn" is almost always used. * Zea saccharata is the species we grow in our garden for summer barbecues. * The farmer decided to plant a field of Zea saccharata this season.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in agricultural, botanical, and scientific contexts to distinguish this specific cultivated variety from other types of corn, such as field corn () or popcorn.
• It can be used to specify the particular genetic or heirloom variety of sweet corn being discussed in a technical setting.

Variants and Related Words

• Sweet corn (n.): The universal common name for .
• Sugar corn (n.): Another common name for this plant.
• Corn on the cob (n.): A culinary term for the prepared ear of sweet corn, often boiled or grilled and served with butter.
• Zea mays (n.): The broader species name for maize/corn, which includes many subspecies and varieties like dent corn, flint corn, and sweet corn.

Synonyms

• Sweet corn
• Sugar corn
• Green corn (though this can sometimes refer to young field corn)

Related Phrases

• Harvesting sweet corn: The act of picking the ears when the kernels are at their peak sweetness.
• Hybrid sweet corn: Refers to commercially developed varieties of bred for specific traits like disease resistance or extended sweetness.

Noun

1. a corn plant developed in order to have young ears that are sweet and suitable for eating