Vanilla bean

vanilla bean
    n 1: long bean-like fruit; seeds are used as flavoring
    

Vanilla \Va*nil"la\, n. [NL., fr. Sp. vainilla, dim. of Sp.
   vaina a sheath, a pod, L. vagina; because its grains, or
   seeds, are contained in little pods.]
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   1. (Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of
      tropical America.
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   2. The long podlike capsules of {Vanilla planifolia}, and
      {Vanilla claviculata}, remarkable for their delicate and
      agreeable odor, for the volatile, odoriferous oil
      extracted from them; also, the flavoring extract made from
      the capsules, extensively used in confectionery,
      perfumery, etc.
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   Note: As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers
         analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is
         far more grateful.
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   {Cuban vanilla}, a sweet-scented West Indian composite shrub
      ({Eupatorium Dalea}).

   {Vanilla bean}, the long capsule of the vanilla plant.

   {Vanilla grass}. Same as {Holy grass}, under {Holy}.
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Bean \Bean\ (b[=e]n), n. [OE. bene, AS. be['a]n; akin to D.
   boon, G. bohne, OHG. p[=o]na, Icel. baun, Dan. b["o]nne, Sw.
   b["o]na, and perh. to Russ. bob, L. faba.]
   1. (Bot.) A name given to the seed of certain leguminous
      herbs, chiefly of the genera {Faba}, {Phaseolus}, and
      {Dolichos}; also, to the herbs.
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   Note: The origin and classification of many kinds are still
         doubtful. Among true beans are: the black-eyed bean and
         China bean, included in {Dolichos Sinensis}; black
         Egyptian bean or hyacinth bean, {Dolichos Lablab}; the
         common haricot beans, kidney beans, string beans, and
         pole beans, all included in {Phaseolus vulgaris}; the
         lower bush bean, {Phaseolus vulgaris}, variety nanus;
         Lima bean, {Phaseolus lunatus}; Spanish bean and
         scarlet runner, {Phaseolus multiflorus}; Windsor bean,
         the common bean of England, {Faba vulgaris}.
         [1913 Webster] As an article of food beans are classed
         with vegetables.
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   2. The popular name of other vegetable seeds or fruits, more
      or less resembling true beans.
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   {Bean aphis} (Zool.), a plant louse ({Aphis fab[ae]}) which
      infests the bean plant.

   {Bean fly} (Zool.), a fly found on bean flowers.

   {Bean goose} (Zool.), a species of goose ({Anser segetum}).
      

   {Bean weevil} (Zool.), a small weevil that in the larval
      state destroys beans. The American species is {Bruchus
      fab[ae]}.

   {Florida bean} (Bot.), the seed of {Mucuna urens}, a West
      Indian plant. The seeds are washed up on the Florida
      shore, and are often polished and made into ornaments.

   {Ignatius bean}, or {St. Ignatius's bean} (Bot.), a species
      of {Strychnos}.

   {Navy bean}, the common dried white bean of commerce;
      probably so called because an important article of food in
      the navy.

   {Pea bean}, a very small and highly esteemed variety of the
      edible white bean; -- so called from its size.

   {Sacred bean}. See under {Sacred}.

   {Screw bean}. See under {Screw}.

   {Sea bean}.
      (a) Same as {Florida bean}.
      (b) A red bean of unknown species used for ornament.

   {Tonquin bean}, or {Tonka bean}, the fragrant seed of
      {Dipteryx odorata}, a leguminous tree.

   {Vanilla bean}. See under {Vanilla}.
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