ENGLISH
REFERENCE

zucchini

n.
B1 Intermediate US //zuˈkini// UK //zʌkˈiːni// zuc·chi·ni

n. a green vegetable that looks like a small green squash. It is often used in cooking and can be eaten raw or cooked.

n. a variety of summer squash with a smooth, dark green skin and pale yellow flesh. It is a common ingredient in Mediterranean and North American cuisines.


SIMPLE

I bought a zucchini to make a fresh salad.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef sliced the zucchini thinly and sautéed it with garlic to serve as a side dish.

COMPLEX

While often dismissed as a vegetable of necessity, zucchini is actually a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, baked, or spiralized into a healthy alternative to pasta.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Italian zucchini, plural of zucchino, diminutive of zucca (“squash”). Ultimately related to courgette through the original Latin cucurbita. Compare Sicilian cucuzza.

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