tepary bean

American  

[tep-uh-ree] / ˈtɛp ə ri /

noun

1. a twining or bushy plant, Phaseolus acutifolius latifolius, of the legume family, native to Mexico and Arizona, having white or violet-colored flowers, grown as a food plant in dry regions.

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Etymology

Origin of tepary bean

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

He explained that the tepary bean was a neglected crop, grown by native Americans in the southwest US and Mexico in very hot and dry environments.

From BBC