noun
lentil
LEHN-tuhl
noun
1
A small, disc-shaped edible seed from a legume plant, commonly dried and used in soups and stews.
"She simmered red lentils with cumin and garlic for a quick curry."
"Lentils are a cheap source of protein for vegetarians."
How to Use Lentil
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small round pulse used in cooking, especially soups, curries, and stews.
Common pairings
red lentils
green lentils
lentil soup
Word Forms
lentils plural
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Etymology
From Latin lēns, the same word that gave us "lens" — because a magnifying lens is shaped like a lentil seed.