Edible

Definition

The adjective "edible" means fit or safe to be eaten; as a noun, an "edible" is something that can be eaten (a food item).

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈɛdəbəl/
• Respelling: ED-uh-buhl

British English

• IPA: /ˈɛdɪbəl/
• Respelling: ED-ih-buhl

Etymology

From Latin edibilis “fit to be eaten,” from edere “to eat.” Entered English in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Edibility (noun)
• Edibly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Eatable
• Consumable
• Palatable

Antonyms

• Inedible
• Poisonous
• Uneatable

Usage

"Edible" is used in culinary, foraging, and safety contexts. Examples: "Only the ripe berries are edible," and "They identified several wild edibles."

Related Terms

• Palatable: Pleasant to taste.
• Digestible: Easy to digest.
• Toxic: Harmful or poisonous.
• Forage: To search for edible items.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Fit or safe to be eaten: Refers to food that is suitable for consumption.
  • Example: "Only the ripe berries are edible."
• Palatable or acceptable in taste: Indicates something that is agreeable to eat.
  • Example: "After overcooking, the vegetables were barely edible."

Noun

• A thing that can be eaten: A food item or substance fit for consumption.
  • Example: "They gathered wild edibles like mushrooms and berries."