legume

noun

le·​gume ˈle-ˌgyüm  li-ˈgyüm 

plural legumes

1

a

: the dry fruit of plants of the legume family (such as peas or beans) that develops from a single carpel of a flower and usually splits into two halves with seeds attached to the seam of one half : pod entry 1 sense 1

b

: the fruit or seeds of a legume plant (such as the peanut or tamarind) used for food

2

: any of a large family (Leguminosae synonym Fabaceae, the legume family) of dicotyledonous plants that have fruits that are legumes and roots with nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria and that includes important food and forage plants (such as peas, beans, or clovers)

Examples of legume in a Sentence

recipes that include legumes like lentils and chickpeas

Recent Examples on the Web

However, when the participants substituted nuts and legumes for red meat in their diets, their risk of diabetes fell by 30%. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2023

For example, many don't know that a peanut is actually a legume or bean. —Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2023

Similarly to vegetables, legumes also provide a ton of fiber which has benefits ranging from reducing risk of cardiovascular disease to helping control blood sugar levels. —Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023

Cowboy Caviar This punchy, flavorful salad is packed with legumes, corn, tomatoes and a bright dressing. —Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2023

Hearty and substantial, the bread crumbs add a very satisfying crunch to contrast with the soft legumes and potatoes and leafy greens. —Julie Giuffrida, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2023

Consider items like lentils, beans and legumes, dairy, fish, meat, and eggs, which are all good sources of protein. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2023

To avoid this problem, separate legumes from your marigolds in the garden. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2023

Phytates found in whole grains and legumes bind to iron and reduce its bioavailability. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

French légume, from Latin legumin-, legumen leguminous plant, from legere to gather — more at legend

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

legume

noun

leg·​ume

ˈleg-ˌyüm,

li-ˈgyüm

1

a

: any of a large family of herbs, shrubs, and trees that have fruits which are dry single-celled pods that split into two pieces when ripe, that bear nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and that include important food plants (as peas, beans, or clovers)

b

: the part (as seeds or pods) of a legume used as food

2

: the pod of a legume

Medical Definition

legume

noun

le·​gume ˈleg-ˌyüm  li-ˈgyüm 

1

: the fruit or seed of leguminous plants (as peas or beans) used for food

2

: any plant of the family Leguminosae