Definition of "legume"

(botany) The fruit or seed of leguminous plants (as peas or beans) used for food.  examples

(botany) Any of a large family (Fabaceae, syn. Leguminosae) of dicotyledonous herbs, shrubs, and trees having fruits that are legumes or loments, bearing nodules on the roots that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and including important food and forage plants (as peas, beans, or clovers).  examples

(botany) A pod dehiscent into two pieces or valves, and having the seed attached at one suture, as that of the pea.  examples