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Definition of jack bean
jack bean
Plural:jack beans
jack bean Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A robust, fast-growing tropical legume native to the neotropics of the Americas, widely cultivated as a cover crop, green manure, and livestock forage.
Example
"Farmers in tropical regions often plant the jack bean to restore soil fertility during the dry season."
2
The large, typically white edible seed of the jack bean plant, which must be thoroughly soaked and boiled to neutralize mild toxins before human consumption.
Example
"After a prolonged boiling process, the jack bean can be safely added to traditional stews and soups."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name combines 'jack', a traditional English modifier used to denote something large, robust, or ordinary, with 'bean', referencing the plant's exceptionally long pods and large seeds.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jack bean. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jack bean