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Glite Dictionary
coral bean

coral bean

9.5
A shrub or small tree with divided leaves, blue flower spikes and red seeds, some poisonous to farm animals
  • noun
  • /ˈkɔrəl bin/
  • US
translation icon : frijolito
  • Farmers must keep their cattle away from the coral bean because it can be poisonous to livestock.

Examples

  • The brightly colored seeds of the coral bean make it a popular ornamental plant.

  • The vibrant flowers of the coral bean attract hummingbirds to the garden.

  • The coral bean tree blooms beautifully in the spring.

  • Many gardeners love the coral bean for its vibrant flowers.

  • Farmers must keep their cattle away from the coral bean because it can be poisonous to livestock.

  • The brightly colored seeds of the coral bean make it a popular ornamental plant.

  • The vibrant flowers of the coral bean attract hummingbirds to the garden.

Synonyms

Sophora secundiflora
vscoral bean
  • Specialized
9.9

A small evergreen tree with purple flower clusters and bright red poisonous seeds

is the common general label rather than the formal botanical name
mescal bean
vscoral bean
  • Specialized
9.9

A shrub or small tree with blue flowers and red seeds that are poisonous to people and animals

is the standard English name used more widely for the plant
frijolito
vscoral bean
  • Specialized
9.9

A small shrub with blue fragrant flowers and red beans that are poisonous to farm animals

is the English common name rather than the regional Spanish form
frijolillo
vscoral bean
  • Specialized
9.9

A small shrub or tree with blue flowers and red beans that are poisonous to livestock

focuses on seeds or other parts being poisonous instead of leaves

Surface Forms

coral bean singular
coral beans plural

Morphology

coral + bean

The compound is a straightforward color + noun composition: a B1 learner who knows 'coral' (a pinkish-red color) and 'bean' (an edible seed) can infer this refers to a bean or plant characterized by a coral-colored seed or appearance. While specific botanical details (e.g. toxicity, shrub form) require extra knowledge, the basic referent is directly derivable from the constituents and follows a common naming pattern across languages.

Etymology

Coral bean is a name that comes from the plant's bright red, bean-shaped seeds that look like pieces of coral and small beans. That's why the name refers to a shrub with red seeds that can be 'poisonous' to farm animals.