winged bean
winged bean Lexical Profile
• noun
The elongated, edible green pod of the winged bean plant, characterized by four frilly, wing-like edges running along its surface, commonly used as a vegetable in South and Southeast Asian cuisine.
"She tossed the freshly sliced winged beans into the hot wok with garlic and chili paste to create a crunchy, flavorful side dish."
A tropical, climbing leguminous plant (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) native to New Guinea, cultivated primarily for its nutrient-rich, edible parts, including its distinctly ridged pods, leaves, seeds, and tuberous roots.
"Agricultural researchers often highlight the winged bean as an exceptional crop for food security because nearly every part of the plant can be consumed."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the physical appearance of the plant's distinctive seed pods, which feature four wing-like, frilly edges running lengthwise, combined with its botanical classification as a bean (legume).