tomato
tomato
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tomato" varies depending on dialect:
American English: /təˈmeɪ.toʊ/
/tə/
/ˈmeɪ/
/toʊ/
British English: /təˈmɑː.təʊ/
/tə/
/ˈmɑː/
/toʊ/
Word Form Variations
Noun: tomato (singular), tomatoes (plural)
Adjective: tomato (used attributively, e.g., "tomato sauce," "tomato plant") - no comparative/superlative forms.
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use for the fruit/plant. One might informally say "to tomato" something in a very specific, niche context meaning to cover it with tomatoes, but this is not standard.)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A glossy red or occasionally yellow, pulpy fruit, eaten as a vegetable or in salads. It is botanically a berry and grows on a vine.
Synonyms: love apple (archaic), fruit (botanical sense), vegetable (culinary sense)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to a specific type of produce)
Definition 2: The plant that bears this fruit, typically a member of the nightshade family (Solanum lycopersicum).
Synonyms: tomato vine, tomato plant
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific plant)
Definition 3: (Figurative, informal, often "as red as a tomato") Used to describe someone whose face has turned red, typically from embarrassment, anger, or exertion.
Synonyms: flushed, beet-red, crimson, rubicund
Antonyms: pale, ashen, white, pallid
Adjective
Definition 1: Made from, flavored with, or resembling tomatoes. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: tomato-based, lycopene-rich (for nutritional aspect)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific ingredient)
Definition 2: Having a color similar to that of a red tomato.
Synonyms: red, crimson, scarlet, ruby, vermillion
Antonyms: green (unripe), yellow, pale, colorless
Examples of Use
Books:
"She sliced a ripe, juicy tomato for her sandwich, its fresh scent filling the air." (Fictional example from a domestic novel or cookbook)
"The book explored the history of the tomato from its origins in the Andes to its global culinary dominance." (From a non-fiction book on food history or botany)
"His face turned a furious shade of red, as crimson as a ripe tomato, when he realized his mistake." (Fictional example, figurative use, from a dramatic novel)
Newspapers:
"Farmers in Mwea are reporting a bumper harvest of tomatoes this season, despite adverse weather conditions." ("Daily Nation,")
"Health experts recommend incorporating more fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, into daily diets for their antioxidant benefits." ("The Standard,")
"Researchers are developing new drought-resistant tomato varieties to boost food security in arid regions." ("Business Daily Africa,")
Online Publications:
"The ultimate guide to making homemade tomato sauce from scratch." (An article on a cooking blog, e.g., Serious Eats)
"How to grow organic tomatoes in your backyard garden: Tips for beginners." (An article on a gardening website, e.g., Gardeners' World Online)
"Beyond the red: Explore the surprising variety of heirloom tomatoes and their unique flavors." (A food culture article on "Bon Appétit Online,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I like the way you talk. You got that big red juicy tomato on your face." (Inspired by dialogue in action or comedy films featuring a character with a red face)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must prepare a dish using only three ingredients: chicken, basil, and tomato." (Instructions on a cooking competition show, e.g., MasterChef)
Song Lyrics: "You say tomato, I say tomahto, you say potato, I say potahto." (From George and Ira Gershwin's song "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," 1937)
Video Games: "Collecting 5 ripe tomatoes will earn you bonus points and a health boost." (In-game objective or item description, e.g., Stardew Valley)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the long and fascinating history of the tomato and its journey from toxic fruit to culinary staple." (A podcast on food history, e.g., Gastropod)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you please pass the tomato ketchup?" (A common request at a meal)
"I'm making a fresh tomato salad for lunch." (A casual statement about cooking)
"His face turned bright red, like a tomato, when he realized his pants were unzipped." (Describing someone's embarrassment)
"I need to buy some more tomatoes from the market." (A common grocery list item)
"Do you prefer sliced tomato or whole cherry tomatoes in your salad?" (A question about culinary preference)
10 Quotes Using Tomato
"You say tomato, I say tomahto." (George and Ira Gershwin, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," 1937)
"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." (Common saying, widely attributed)
"I'm a tomato at heart, a real red-blooded American." (Often used humorously in pop culture)
"If you plant a tomato plant, you get a tomato plant." (Common wisdom, often used to illustrate direct cause and effect)
"A love apple, a golden apple, a red tomato of pure joy." (Original quote, evoking the historical term for tomato)
"He was as red as a ripe tomato after running that marathon." (Common simile, widely used)
"Don't throw a tomato if you can't hit it right." (Lesser-known, perhaps from a theatrical context)
"My ideal day is just gardening, picking a fresh tomato, and eating it right there." (Lesser-known, but common sentiment among gardeners)
"This is not just any tomato; this is a heirloom tomato." (Original, playing on the emphasis of a specific type)
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy organic tomatoes, and that's pretty close." (Unknown, widely shared humorous quote)
Etymology
The word "tomato" comes from a fascinating journey across continents!
It originated from the Nahuatl word xitomatl, which was spoken by the Aztec people in what is now Mexico. This word specifically referred to the plump, juicy red fruit.
When the Spanish conquistadors encountered this fruit in the Americas, they adopted the Nahuatl word, slightly changing it to tomate.
From Spanish, the word tomate then entered other European languages. It arrived in English as "tomato" around the mid-17th century (specifically in the 1650s).
Initially, in Europe, the tomato was viewed with suspicion. It's a member of the nightshade family, and some of its relatives are poisonous, so people were wary. It was often grown as an ornamental plant rather than for food. Its first known meaning in English was simply the "fruit of the tomato plant." It took some time for it to be widely accepted and adopted as a staple food in European and, eventually, global cuisine.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tomato
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tomato":
You say tomato, I say tomahto: Used to express that there are different ways of pronouncing or approaching the same thing, implying a minor disagreement.
As red as a tomato: Very red, typically from embarrassment, anger, or sunburn.
Tomato head: (Informal, sometimes derogatory) Someone with a very red face or hair. (Lesser-known slang)
Tomato sauce/ketchup/paste: Common food products made from tomatoes.
Tomato plant: The vine on which tomatoes grow.
Squash a tomato: To decisively and easily defeat something or someone. (Original, playing on the softness of a ripe tomato)
The Big Red Tomato: (Original) Used to refer to something large, round, and prominent, often humorously.
Juicy as a ripe tomato: Describing something as very succulent or full of content. (Synonym for "succulent" or "full of flavor")
To get pelted with tomatoes: To be strongly criticized or receive an overwhelmingly negative reaction, as if by an audience throwing tomatoes.
Garden fresh tomatoes: Tomatoes that are newly picked and very fresh.
The heart of the salad: The most crucial or flavorful component of a dish. (Synonymous with "the star ingredient," applicable to a tomato)
A blushing complexion: A red face, often from shyness. (Synonym for "as red as a tomato")
To turn scarlet: To become red in the face. (Synonym for "turning red like a tomato")
Pass the ketchup: A common request that implies the use of a tomato-based condiment.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tomato from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
