succulent

UK: ˈsʌkjʊlənt | US: ˈsʌkjələnt

Definition

  1. adj. 1. (of food) tender, juicy, and flavorful

  2. adj. 2. (botany) having thick, fleshy tissues adapted to store water

  3. n. 3. a plant with thick, water-storing leaves or stems (e.g., cacti or aloe)

Structure
suc <sap/juice, from Latin *sūcus*>ulent <full of, adjective-forming suffix from Latin *-ulentus*>
Etymology

The word succulent traces back to Latin sūcus (meaning "juice" or "sap"), reflecting its core idea of moisture-richness. The suffix -ulentus (equivalent to English -ulent) denotes abundance, creating the sense "full of juice." Originally used in botany (17th century) to describe water-storing plants, it later extended to describe juicy food. The logic is straightforward: a plant or food is succulent if it’s "juice-packed."

Examples

  1. The succulent steak melted in her mouth.

  2. Desert succulents thrive in arid climates.

  3. He grilled peaches until they were caramelized and succulent.

  4. Her garden specializes in rare succulents from Madagascar.

  5. The chef’s secret was using succulent, ripe tomatoes.