tomato

A widely cultivated plant, Solanum lycopersicum, having edible fruit.

How to use

The term 'tomato' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, referring to the plant or its fruit. A notable grammatical nuance is that while 'tomato' can be countable, as in 'a tomato on the plate,' it can also be used uncountably, especially when referring to the plant or in culinary contexts, such as 'a can of crushed tomato.' Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with 'tomatoes,' which is the correct plural form.