Esculent
Noun
- A thing, especially a vegetable, which is fit to be eaten.
Adjective
- Fit to be eaten; edible.
Example Sentences
“The raccoon sniffed the food to determine whether it was esculent.”
“At the community garden, we grow tomatoes, berries, and herbs in the summer, but we still grow some esculents in the winter.”
“It’s important to know which wild berries and mushrooms are esculent if you forage them.”
Word Origin
Latin, early 17th century
Why this word?
“Esculent” developed from the Latin word “esculentus,” which comes from the words “esca” (“food”) and “esse” (“eat”). “Esculent” serves as both an adjective and a noun to refer to something that is fit or suitable to be eaten. If you’re interested in finding esculents in forests and wild places, it may be time to join a foraging group. Foraging groups meet any place where wildlife grows, including neighborhood parks and even Central Park. They can teach you how to find esculent berries, mushrooms, and plant life.