vegan
UK: ˈviːɡən | US: ˈviːɡən
n. a person who does not eat or use any animal products, such as meat, dairy, or leather.
adj. relating to or suitable for vegans.
The word "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, founder of the Vegan Society, by taking the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian." This clever truncation emphasized a stricter form of vegetarianism, excluding all animal-derived products. The root "veg" references "vegetable," while the suffix "-an" marks it as a person adhering to this lifestyle. The term reflects a deliberate linguistic innovation to define a distinct ethical and dietary identity.
She became a vegan after learning about factory farming.
This restaurant offers a delicious vegan burger made from beans.
He switched to a vegan diet for environmental reasons.
Vegan cosmetics are free from animal-derived ingredients.
The vegan community is growing rapidly worldwide.