Beanlike

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having a shape or qualities reminiscent of beans
2. Characterized by features that are similar to those found in beans
3. Having a form or contour that closely resembles that of a bean

Etymology: "Beanlike" is about as plain as English compounds get: the noun "bean" joined to the suffix "-like", which means "resembling or having the qualities of" whatever comes before it. The same pattern produces "childlike", "catlike" and "dreamlike", so the word needs no special story beyond that combination. The "bean" element itself is the older, more interesting part, since English has used it for centuries for several different plants and seeds, and "beanlike" simply borrows that broad sense to describe anything with the shape, texture or look of a bean.

Synonyms: leguminous, podlike, seedlike, pea-shaped, foliaceous