okra

Meaning

1. The edible immature mucilaginous seed pod (properly, capsule) of the Abelmoschus esculentus.
2. The flowering mallow plant Abelmoschus esculentus itself, now commonly grown in the tropics and warmer parts of the temperate zones.

Synonyms

gumbo

lady’s-finger

okra plant

Abelmoschus esculentus

Hibiscus esculentus

lady’s finger

ladies finger

ladyfinger

okra stew

lady’s fingers

okra sauce

lady's fingers

ladies’ fingers

ocher

ochre

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɒkɹə/

Etymology

From an unknown West African language, probably Igbo ọ́kụ̀rụ̀ but cf. Akan ŋkrũmã and ŋkrakra (“broth”).