Meaning & Definition of word "Vegetable"
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Vegetable
/ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/
noun:
- 1. A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically as a savory dish.
- Example: I added a variety of vegetables to the stir-fry for extra flavor.
- 2. A person or animal with very little mental or physical activity, often due to illness or injury.
- Example: After the accident, he felt like a vegetable for months as he recovered.
adjective:
- 1. Of or relating to plants or plant life, especially in terms of being edible.
- Example: She follows a strictly vegetable diet for health reasons.
Etymology
From Latin vegetabilis, which means 'growing' or 'flourishing'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
vegetable garden:
A garden where vegetables are grown.
couch potato:
A lazy person who spends too much time sitting and watching television, often equated with being like a 'vegetable'.
Related Words
fruit:
The mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually containing seeds.
herb:
A plant used for flavoring food, medicine, or for its aromatic properties.
Slang Meanings of vegetable
Meaning: A person who is in a state of unresponsiveness or inactivity.
Example Sentence: After his injury, he became a vegetable.
Meaning: Someone who is dull or lacks energy.
Example Sentence: Stop being such a vegetable and join us for a hike.