soybean meaning and definition

SOYBEAN noun

Definition of soybean (noun)

1. a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
   • synonyms: soy, soya bean
2. erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia
   • synonyms: Glycine max, soja, soja bean, soy, soya, soya bean, soybean plant
3. the most highly proteinaceous vegetable known; the fruit of the soybean plant is used in a variety of foods and as fodder (especially as a replacement for animal protein)
   • synonyms: soy, soya, soya bean