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Lentil

(Science: botany) a leguminous plant of the genus Ervum (Ervum lens), of small size, common in the fields in Europe. Also, its seed, which is used for food on the continent.

The lentil of the Scriptures probably included several other vetchlike plants.

(Science: zoology) lentil shell, a small bivalve shell of the genus Ervillia, family Tellinidae.

Origin: f. Lentille, fr. L. Lenticula, dim. Of lens, lentis, lentil. Cf. Lens.