moth bean

noun

: a legume (Vigna acontifolia synonym Phaseolus aconitifolius) cultivated especially in India for its edible cylindrical pods and small seeds

Word History

Etymology

probably by folk etymology from Marathi maṭh moth bean

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of moth bean was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near moth bean

mothball fleet

moth bean

moth borer

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Cite this Entry

“Moth bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth%20bean. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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