noun
Common
cos
kos
Cos (noun) means a long-leaved variety of lettuce, also called romaine. Example: “Slice a cos lettuce into strips and toss it with the dressing.”
noun
1
A long-leaved variety of lettuce, also called romaine.
"Slice a cos lettuce into strips and toss it with the dressing."
"Cos leaves are crunchy, which makes them good for wraps."
"The Caesar salad recipe calls for crisp cos lettuce."
How to use cos
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnother name for romaine lettuce.
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Word forms
- Plural
- coses
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Slice a _____ lettuce into strips and toss it with the dressing.
Etymology
Shortened from "cos lettuce," a name traced back to the Greek island of Kos, where the variety was said to originate.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “cos” mean?
The word “cos” means a long-leaved variety of lettuce, also called romaine. In plain terms, another name for romaine lettuce.
How do you pronounce “cos”?
“Cos” is pronounced kos (/kɑs/ in IPA).
How do you use “cos” in a sentence?
Here is “cos” used in a sentence: “The Caesar salad recipe calls for crisp cos lettuce.”
What part of speech is “cos”?
“Cos” is a noun.
Where does the word “cos” come from?
The word “cos” comes from Greek. Shortened from "cos lettuce," a name traced back to the Greek island of Kos, where the variety was said to originate.
Is “cos” a common word?
“Cos” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between cos and romaine lettuce?
There is no difference — cos and romaine are two names for the same long-leaved variety of lettuce. Cos is the usual name in British English, while romaine is standard in North American English.
Is cos an informal way of writing "because"?
Yes. In casual writing and reported speech, cos (sometimes spelled 'cos or coz) represents the informal spoken pronunciation of "because." It should be avoided in formal writing, where the full word is expected.
What does cos stand for in maths?
In mathematics, cos is the standard abbreviation for cosine, one of the basic trigonometric functions used to relate the angles of a right-angled triangle to the ratios of its sides. This technical use is unrelated to the lettuce.
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