vegetable
UK: ˈvedʒtəbl | US: ˈvedʒtəbl
n. a plant or part of a plant used as food (e.g., carrots, spinach).
n. (informal) a person with minimal brain function or activity (derogatory).
adj. relating to plants or derived from plants.
The word "vegetable" traces back to Latin vegetabilis ("enlivening"), reflecting the idea of plants as living, growing organisms. Over time, it narrowed to specifically denote edible plants. The suffix -able originally emphasized vitality but later became a standard noun-forming suffix in English.
Fresh vegetables are essential for a balanced diet.
He was in a vegetative state after the accident.
The salad contains five types of leafy vegetables.
(Informal) Stop staring like a vegetable—answer the question!
Vegetable oils are often used in cooking.