comestible
UK: kəˈmɛstɪb(ə)l | US: kəˈmɛstəb(ə)l
adj. suitable or safe to eat; edible
n. (usually plural) food items; edible substances
comestible = comest<eat> + ible<capable of>
- comest (from Latin comestus, past participle of comedere "to eat up," from com- (intensive) + edere "to eat")
- ible (Latin suffix -ibilis, indicating capability or suitability)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin comestibilis, the word entered Middle French as comestible before being adopted into English in the 15th century. The root edere (to eat) is also seen in words like "edible" and "esculent." The prefix com- adds emphasis, originally conveying the idea of "thoroughly eaten." Over time, comestible narrowed to describe things fit for consumption, often used formally or humorously (e.g., "comestible delights").
The supermarket stocks both perishable and non-perishable comestibles.
Despite its odd appearance, the mushroom is perfectly comestible.
The chef sourced rare comestibles for the gourmet event.
Medieval banquets featured exotic comestibles like peacock and saffron.
Always check if wild berries are comestible before eating them.