lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˈlī-mə- 

1

: a bushy or vining tropical American bean (Phaseolus lunatus synonym Phaseolus limensis) that is widely cultivated for its flat edible starchy seed which is usually pale green when immature and whitish or beige when mature

2

: the seed of a lima bean eaten usually cooked as a vegetable see butter bean, sieva bean

Examples of lima bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are a few variations on this recipe but this tasty one includes pork, chicken, and lima beans. —Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Yes, butter beans and lima beans are the same thing. —Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024

But chambers were otherwise as informal as a church hall, and every surface was stacked with the detritus of years gone by – lima bean and radish seeds on an antique metal desk, a well head, reading glasses, garage door openers. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024

While cooked lima beans are safe to eat, raw lima beans contain toxic compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into hydrogen cyanide, a compound that’s toxic to humans. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Lima, Peru

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lima bean

noun

li·​ma bean ˌlī-mə- 

: a tropical American bean plant widely grown for its flat edible usually pale green or whitish seeds

also : the seed of a lima bean