lentil

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noun len·til \ ˈlen-tᵊl \

Definition of lentil

1 :a widely cultivated Eurasian annual leguminous plant (Lens culinaris) with flattened edible seeds and leafy stalks used as fodder

2 :the seed of the lentil

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Recent Examples of lentil from the Web

The Gwynn Oak mother of four, who is 41, has parlayed that dish into a business that has become the Big Bean Theory, selling foods like the mean Jean bean burger and lentil gumbo.

— suzanne loudermilk, baltimoresun.com, "Chefs to watch: Meet 10 up-and-comers with big plans for the local food scene," 23 Aug. 2017
Overall, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy foods are the most protein-rich plant foods, while grains and vegetables contain smaller amounts.

— carrie dennett, The Seattle Times, "Confused about protein? Let’s clear up a few myths," 18 Aug. 2017
Make pulses (beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas) your protein source.

— cynthia sass, mph, Health.com, "The Plant-Based Foods You Should Eat Less," 27 July 2017
Federal agriculture officials have labeled as poor or very poor more than half of Montana's 2017 crops of spring wheat, lentils and durum.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The Climate Crisis Is Here. Now.," 24 July 2017
This kind of increase, researchers said in a statement, could be as simple as swapping one serving of red or processed meat for nuts or legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts.

— stephanie castillo, Fortune, "Improving Your Diet Just a Little Bit Can Help You Live Longer, Says Study," 14 July 2017
The brand is adding some new food offerings, too, including a high-protein breakfast wrap featuring steak, egg, and tomatillo, a chicken and quinoa protein bowl, and a vegan bowl with lentils, veggies, and brown rice.

— rebekah lowin, PEOPLE.com, "Starbucks Just Released 2 New (Lightened-Up!) Iced Coffees for Summer," 11 July 2017
Groups that help orphaned children in Haiti will receive the meals, which organizers said consist of rice, lentils, dried vegetables and nutritional powder.

— Courant Community, "Canton High School Students Send Food Aid To Haiti," 29 June 2017
Try an Indian curry - flavorful, not spicy - with dhal puri roti, a flatbread made from lentils, on the side.

— charlotteobserver, "Lunch around the world in a “salad bowl suburb”," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lentil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lentil

Middle English, from Anglo-French lentille, from Latin lenticula, diminutive of lent-, lens

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First Known Use: 13th century

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LENTIL Defined for English Language Learners

lentil

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noun

Definition of lentil for English Language Learners

: a type of flat, round seed that is related to the pea and is eaten as a vegetable

LENTIL Defined for Kids

lentil

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noun len·til \ ˈlen-tᵊl \

Definition of lentil for Students

:the flattened round edible seed of a plant originally of southwestern Asia

Learn More about lentil

See words that rhyme with lentil Spanish Central: Translation of lentil Nglish: Translation of lentil for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lentil for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lentil

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lentil

Definition of lentil

Recent Examples of lentil from the Web

Origin and Etymology of lentil

LENTIL Defined for English Language Learners

lentil

Definition of lentil for English Language Learners

LENTIL Defined for Kids

lentil

Definition of lentil for Students

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