esculent

American  

[es-kyuh-luhnt] / ˈɛs kyə lənt /

adjective

1. suitable for use as food; edible.

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noun

1. something edible, especially a vegetable.

esculent British  

/ ˈɛskjʊlənt /

noun

1. any edible substance

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adjective

1. edible

Etymology

Origin of esculent

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin ēsculentus “edible, full of food,” equivalent to ēsc(a) “food” ( cf. escarole) + -ulentus -ulent

Example Sentences

ENDIVE, Cichorium Endivia, an annual esculent plant of the natural order Compositae, commonly reputed to have been introduced into Europe from the East Indies, but, according to some authorities, more probably indigenous to Egypt.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Arracacha, ar-a-kach′�, n. an umbelliferous plant with esculent roots, native to the northern parts of South America.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Among these are a variety of esculent plants and roots, yielding a nutritious and agreeable food.

From Oregon and Eldorado or, Romance of the Rivers by Bulfinch, Thomas

The esculent vegetables now most in use were introduced in the reign of Elizabeth, and some sorts a great deal later.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry

It suits many of the esculent crops, as onions, beans, cabbages, carrots, beet-root, asparagus, &c.; the quantity applied varies from 5 to 10 bushels per acre.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various