Main Entry: ¹bean

Pronunciation: \ˈbēn\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English bene, from Old English bēan; akin to Old High German bōna bean

Date: before 12th century

1 a : broad bean b : the seed of any of various erect or climbing plants (as of the genera Phaseolus and Vigna) of the legume family other than the broad bean c : a plant bearing beans d : an immature bean pod used as a vegetable
2 a : a valueless item b plural : the least amount <didn't know beans about it>
3 : any of various seeds or fruits that resemble beans or bean pods <coffee beans>; also : a plant producing these
4 a plural : exuberance —used in the phrase full of beans b plural : nonsense, bunkum —used in the phrase full of beans
5 : head, brain
6 : a protuberance on the upper mandible of waterfowl — see duck illustration