tomato

American  

[tuh-mey-toh, -mah-] / təˈmeɪ toʊ, -ˈmɑ- /

noun

plural

tomatoes

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Lycopersicon, of the nightshade family, native to Mexico and Central and South America, especially the widely cultivated species L. lycopersicum, bearing a mildly acid, pulpy, usually red fruit eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable.

2. the fruit itself.

3. Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a girl or woman.

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tomato British  

/ təˈmɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. a solanaceous plant, Lycopersicon (or Lycopersicum ) esculentum, of South America, widely cultivated for its red fleshy many-seeded edible fruits

2. the fruit of this plant, which has slightly acid-tasting flesh and is eaten in salads, as a vegetable, etc

3. slang a girl or woman

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Usage

What is a tomato? A tomato is a pulpy fruit from the genus Lycopersicon, usually eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable.Culturally, tomatoes are most often enjoyed as a vegetable, but they are botanically classified as a fruit because the tomato is a developed ovary of a seed plant. Scientifically, they are classified as a berry because the tomato develops from a single flower and does not contain a pit.There are several species of tomato. Most are native to Central and South America, with many species being farmed in Mexico. The most common tomato purchased and eaten is the L. lycopersicum, also known as the garden tomato. As it grows, the color of its skin changes from green to dark red and is commonly used for food products like ketchup, tomato sauce, and soups.Other types of tomatoes include cherry tomatoes or Lycopersicon esculentum, named for their small, red appearance similar to a cherry. Currant tomatoes, or Solanum pimpinellifolium, are known for their small size and sweet flavor, while beefsteak tomatoes, or Solanum lycopersicum, grow to be very large and have ridges similar to a pumpkin or gourd. Heirloom tomatoes, which are non-hybrids, come in a variety of sizes and colorsExample: Guinea pigs love cherry tomatoes because they are small and sweet.

Etymology

Origin of tomato

1595–1605; 1915–20 tomato for def. 3; earlier tomate < Spanish < Nahuatl tomatl

Compare meaning

How does tomato compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tomatillo vs. tomato

Example Sentences

But these elephants are no dopes: One of Ms. Argo’s coups is capturing a very well-organized raid—quietly executed, under cover of darkness—by a parade of males into a tomato plantation.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also ships food to other nations, including pistachios and tomatoes.

From BBC

Instead of tipping an entire tub into a Mediterranean-ish clean-out-the-fridge pasta—a personal favorite for using up olives, tomatoes, red onion, and a handful of slightly wilted herbs—I hold some back.

From Salon

For nonperishables, picking up an extra can or two of beans, a jar of tomato paste, or a staple oil can quietly change the trajectory of your weeknight cooking.

From Salon

Mandy Carter, also from Reddish, told BBC Radio Manchester: "Each week is different, so it could be potatoes, onions, tomatoes and carrots to help make things like soup."

From BBC

Related Words

• bunny
• dish