vegetable
vegetable Lexical Profile
vegetable Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A plant or part of a plant used as food, typically consumed as an accompaniment to meat or fish, such as a cabbage, potato, carrot, or bean.
"We bought fresh, organic vegetables from the local farmers' market to make a hearty stew."
Any living organism belonging to the plant kingdom, as distinguished from an animal or mineral.
"The classic game of twenty questions asks whether the secret object is animal, vegetable, or mineral."
A person severely impaired by brain damage or injury, lacking normal mental and physical capabilities.
"Tragically, the severe head trauma left him functioning as a vegetable, unable to communicate or move independently."
• adjective
Relating to, consisting of, or derived from plants.
"The chef preferred to use vegetable oil instead of animal fat for frying the potatoes."
Word Nuance & Usage
The term 'vegetable' is primarily culinary rather than botanical; consequently, many culinary vegetables (such as tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers) are scientifically classified as fruits.
Word Origin & Etymology
From late Middle English, via Old French from Late Latin 'vegetabilis' (animating, enlivening), from Latin 'vegetare' (to enliven), from 'vegetus' (active, lively).