I. ˈpē noun
( plural peas also pease -ēz)
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: back-formation from pease (taken as a plural), from Middle English pese, from Old English pise, peose, from Latin pisa, plural of pisum, from Greek pisos, pison
1.
a. : a variable annual leguminous vine ( Pisum sativum ) that is of uncertain natural origin and has been cultivated prob. since prehistoric times for its rounded smooth or wrinkled edible seeds which are rich in protein and are borne severally in dehiscent pods — called also garden pea ; see field pea
b. : the seed of the pea widely used in its green immature stage as a cooked vegetable or stored in the mature dry stage (as for use in porridges or soups)
a crab-and- pea bisque
— usually used in plural
steak and fresh buttered peas
c. peas plural : the immature pods of the pea with their included seeds
bought a bushel of new peas
2.
a. : any of various leguminous plants related to the pea or felt to resemble it in seed, flower, or use — usually used with a qualifying term; see beach pea , black-eyed pea , chick-pea , cowpea , sweet pea
b. : the seed of such a plant
3. : something resembling a pea usually in size, shape, or formation:
a. : a small piece or fragment (as of coal, gravel, iron pyrites)
b. : the small object that is hidden in the game of thimblerig
II. noun
also pee “
( -s )
Etymology: by shortening
: peak 6c