jack bean

noun

: a bushy annual tropical American legume (Canavalia ensiformis) grown especially for forage

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jack bean was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near jack bean

Cite this Entry

“Jack bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jack%20bean. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

jack bean

noun
1
: an annual tropical American plant of the genus Canavalia
especially : a plant (C. ensiformis) having long pods with white seeds and grown especially for forage
2
: the seed of the jack bean that is a source of canavalin and urease
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