Word Study
lentil
CIDE DICTIONARY
lentil, n. [F. lentille, fr. L. lenticula, dim. of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. Lens.].
A leguminous plant of the genus Ervum (Ervum Lens ), of small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed, which is used for food on the continent. [1913 Webster]
" The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several other vetchlike plants." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
lentil, n.
1 a leguminous plant, Lens culinaris, yielding edible biconvex seeds.
2 this seed, esp. used as food with the husk removed.
1 a leguminous plant, Lens culinaris, yielding edible biconvex seeds.
2 this seed, esp. used as food with the husk removed.
Etymology
ME f. OF lentille f. L lenticula (as LENS)
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