Pronunciation: [vˈɛd͡ʒɪtəbə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "vegetable" is spelled /ˈvɛdʒ.tə.bəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling reflects the pronunciation of the word, with the emphasis on the second syllable and a short "e" sound at the beginning. The "g" and "t" sounds are also pronounced distinctly, reflecting the Latin roots of the word. "Vegetable" is a common term used to refer to edible plants, and is an important part of a healthy diet.
A vegetable is a category of plants that are cultivated, harvested, and consumed for their edible parts, such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, or flowers. These plants are typically herbaceous in nature, meaning that they do not develop persistent woody tissues. Vegetables can be consumed either raw or cooked and are a primary source of essential nutrients and dietary fiber in the human diet.
Vegetables come in a wide variety of types and include common examples such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, potatoes, peas, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. They also encompass more exotic options, such as artichokes, asparagus, eggplants, and Brussels sprouts. Some vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and corn, are commonly mistaken as belonging to the vegetable category but technically are classified as starchy grains or tubers.
In addition to their nutritional value, vegetables play a crucial role in providing flavor, texture, and aesthetic appeal in culinary preparations. They are often utilized in a multitude of dishes, including soups, salads, stir-fries, stews, sauces, and side dishes. Furthermore, vegetables can be preserved through methods like canning, freezing, pickling, drying, or fermenting, ensuring their availability during seasons of scarcity.
Overall, vegetables play a vital role in promoting a balanced and healthy diet due to their nutrient content, versatility, and contribution to overall well-being.
1. A plant, specifically one used for food. 2. Relating to plants, as distinguished from animals or minerals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• An organised body destitute of sensation and voluntary motion, deriving its nourishment by means of roots from the earth; a plant.
• Pert. to plants; having the nature of plants; derived from vegetables.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vegetable" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Latin word "vegetabilis", which means "animating" or "giving life". In Latin, this term was used to describe anything that had the ability to grow and thrive, such as plants or organisms.
Later, in the 14th century, the term was borrowed into Old French as "vegetable", maintaining its original meaning. From there it made its way into Middle English as "vegetable" and has been used in this form since then.
Over time, the term "vegetable" has evolved to specifically refer to edible parts of plants, such as leaves, roots, and fruits. Today, it is commonly used to describe the edible portions of plants as food, while the broader meaning of "animating" or "giving life" is not as prevalent.
