vegetable
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a plant or part of a plant that you eat as food, like a carrot, potato, or onion.
n.a plant cultivated for an edible part, such as the root, leaf, or flower, distinguished from botanical fruits or grains in culinary contexts.
Simple“You should try to eat at least one green vegetable with every meal.”
In context“The chef insists on sourcing every vegetable locally to ensure the seasonal menu reflects the true flavours of the region.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a very unkind way to describe someone who cannot think, speak, or move because of a serious brain injury.
n.a derogatory and highly offensive metaphor for a person in a persistent vegetative state who lacks cognitive function.
Simple“After the terrible accident, he was left as a vegetable in the hospital.”
In context“The family faced an agonizing decision regarding life support after the doctors concluded the patient would remain a vegetable indefinitely.”
UsageAlways used as a disparaging label for a patient.
Teacher's tipThis sense is extremely offensive; students should be aware of it to understand media or older texts but should never use it themselves.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.related to plants or made from plants.
adj.pertaining to, derived from, or comprising plants; often used in biological or industrial contexts.
Simple“The soap is made entirely from vegetable oils instead of animal fats.”
In context“The scientist examined the vegetable matter found at the site to determine which species were native to the area centuries ago.”
From Middle English vegetable, from Old French vegetable, from Latin vegetābilis (“able to live and grow”), derived from vegetāre (“to enliven”). Displaced Old English wyrt and ofett. Related to vigil, vigour, vajra, and waker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.